No need to step up security at embassy: Philippine ambassador

BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) - There was no need to enhance security at the Philippine embassy in Bangkok following the violent clash between authorities and Islamic militants on Mindanao Island yesterday, said Philippine Ambassador to Bangkok Mary Jo A Bernardo-Aragon. However, she said, security officials remained vigilant for a possible attack in all countries. The ambassador added that she did not responsible directly for intelligence exchanges between the countries but she believed such a good cooperation has been made around the world. Meanwhile, Thai Foreign Affairs Ministry spokeswoman Bussadee Santipitak said the Thai embassy in Manila reported that that the clash had no impact on Thais in the Philippines and no Thai nationals live on Mindanao Island. The Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law on the Philippine island of Mindanao for 60 days in response to the fighting, which erupted during a raid by security forces at a hideout of Islamic State-linked militants. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte cut short his visit to Russia, returning home on Tuesday night. (TNA)