"The PNP [Philippine National Police] commanders at various levels have taken the necessary steps to harden or protect possible targets. Moreover other measures are being undertaken in public venues to safeguard crowds from harm," Abella said in a statement as quoted by the state television network PTV.
On Thursday, the US Embassy in Manila issued a warning on its website, saying terrorists were plotting to conduct kidnappings in places popular among foreigners in the Philippines. The warning followed the reports in local media about six militants of Abu Sayyaf terrorist organization being on the island.
According to Abella, the police authorities check the information and take the necessary measures.
Abu Sayyaf, a militant Islamist group based in the southwestern part of the Philippines, is notorious for carrying out kidnappings for ransom, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransom is not paid. Several factions of the group have pledged their allegiance to Daesh, which is outlawed in many countries, including Russia.
