The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that they have discovered a terror plot being hatched by the Hamas terrorist group against Israelis in the Philippines.
Hamas is a Middle East-based group that executed attacks against Israelis and Aras.
In a statement, the PNP said that Hamas is recruiting Filipino affiliates who will execute terror attacks against Israeli nationals in the Philippines.
Intelligence reports showed that the alleged terror plot was disclosed by some of their local recruits and contacts in the country.
“A identified the Hamas operative as “Bashir,” who pledged financial support to some local threat groups linked to international terrorist organizations,” Intelligence Group director Police Brigadier General Neil Alinsangan said citing a Filipino source.
“Coordination and information sharing with foreign and local counterparts disclosed that Bashir’s real name is ‘Fares Al Shikli’ who, allegedly, is the head of Hamas’ Foreign Liaison Section,” he said.
“He has also an Interpol Red Notice and is charged with an Offense of Terrorism Logistic Support”, he added.
The source said that he made several trips between 2016-2018 to meet with Al Shikli to discuss possible attacks against Israelis in the Philippines.
The PNP said that Al Shikli started grooming the source as a local contact in the Philippines and introduced to him theoretical bomb-making training in one of their meetings in Malaysia.
The PNP recalled that Hamas also attempted to stage their activities in the Philippines.
A chemist who creates explosives and is closely affiliated with Hamas was arrested in Pampanga in 2018. He was then deported to Turkey by the Bureau of Immigration, the PNP said.
“This is a stern warning to all terroristic groups who plan to conduct recruitment and similar activities in the country, we have a way to know you and you cannot do your plans here because the PNP and AFP, through the active support of the community, are working together to preempt your devious plans,” Alinsangan said.
