News analysis

Terror strikes in Philippines may have hit deadlier phase

This week's suicide blast could signal new threat for which security forces are not ready

Filipino soldiers standing guard on a street in Manila on Wednesday, following a suicide attack the day before at an army checkpoint on Basilan island, a militant stronghold some 1,000km south of the Philippine capital. The blast instantly killed a s
Filipino soldiers standing guard on a street in Manila on Wednesday, following a suicide attack the day before at an army checkpoint on Basilan island, a militant stronghold some 1,000km south of the Philippine capital. The blast instantly killed a soldier, five paramilitaries and four civilians. PHOTO: EPA-EFE
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A brazen suicide attack this week suggests that the war on terror in the Philippines may be entering a new, deadlier phase that security forces may not be ready for.

On Tuesday, 11 people were killed when a suspected terrorist detonated bombs hidden inside a van he drove to an army checkpoint on Basilan island, a militant stronghold some 1,000km south of the capital Manila.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on August 03, 2018, with the headline Terror strikes in Philippines may have hit deadlier phase. Subscribe