By MB Online

The Philippines is now under terror alert level three, PNP director general Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa declared Thursday, December 1, as he presented the two suspects behind Monday’s foiled bombing attempt near the U.S. Embassy.

The PNP chief said mobile checkpoints and Oplan Sita will be in operation during the terror alert level three.

But he reminded the public to remain alert and vigilant.

“Hindi ko masasabi na hindi mauulit. Pero rest assured na our PNP and AFP are trying their very best to secure the country,” Dela Rosa said.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa said the two suspects in the bombing plot—who were arrested in Bulacan on Wednesday—were part of the “Ansar Al-Khalifa” alliance of terror groups, which includes the Maute Group.

He said the two, identified as Rashid Kilala and Jiaher Guinar, admitted to planning the attack, initially targeting Luneta but then transferred to Roxas Boulevard near the embassy when the bomb failed to detonate.

The suspects sought to gain recognition and funding from the Islamic State and divert the military’s attention from its offensive against Maute fighters in Lanao Del Sur, Dela Rosa said.

The two will face charges of illegal possession of firearms and explosives and conspiracy to commit terrorism.

The car they boarded on while planting the bomb and the phone seized from Guinar that is suspected of triggering the bomb are now in police possession.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa also confirmed the hunt is on for three other suspects at large who may have returned to Marawi City.

Video courtesy of ABS-CBN via YouTube