Terrorism, Countermeasures, PNP Three Tiered Mechanism 

Using the PNP Three Tiered Mechanism as an operational framework and the routine activities as a theoretical base, this research examined the effectiveness of the countermeasures employed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against terrorism in Angeles City. Specifically, it sought to answer the following questions: (1) how do the three groups of respondents evaluate the effectiveness of the countermeasures against terrorism employed by the PNP in Angeles City in terms of physical security; (2) is there a significant difference on the evaluation of the three groups of respondents on the effectiveness of the countermeasures against terrorism employed by the PNP in Angeles City in terms of physical security; (3) how do the three groups of respondents evaluate the barriers or gaps in the implementation of countermeasures against terrorism employed by the PNP in Angeles City in terms of physical security; and (4) what action plan can be proposed to fill in the gaps/barriers in the countermeasures of the PNP against terrorism in Angeles City in terms of physical security? The study utilized a quantitative descriptive survey as a method. The participants from the study are (a) Barangay Officials (n=99); (b) business owners (n=320); and (c) residents of Angeles City (n=384). Data were collected using a validated and reliable questionnaire checklist with informed consent as a prerequisite in the participation of the study, the latter was distributed by data enumerators who are oriented in the distribution of survey forms. Using the triangulation method, survey-questionnaires supplemented by interviews and examination of reports and records from the Philippine National Police related to counterterrorism the study has revealed that the three groups of respondents perceive the countermeasures against terrorism employed by the PNP in Angeles City in terms of physical security as effective. This is supported by the survey tool, interview and documents from the official reports of the PNP leadership submitted to the government. The countermeasures employed against terrorism addresses the components of intelligence, target hardening and incident management of the PNP Three-Tiered Defense System. The three groups of respondents evaluate the barriers or gaps in the implementation of countermeasures employed against terrorism by the PNP in Angeles City in terms of physical security as serious. The most pressing challenges identified by the participants in the study includes: (a) deficiency of participation of media in counter-terrorism initiatives; (b) there is a dearth of provision for technology in the detection and prevention of terrorist acts such as bombing, and (c) attitudinal problems with the public to aid or cooperate with police activities pertinent to counter-terrorism. Angeles City remains to be safe from any threat of real or imminent form of terrorism. The results also show that Barangay Officials are aware of the police programs and initiative and are cooperative in police operations. Citizens and business owners are being more collaborative and cooperative with police officers. Participants in this paper perceive that the gaps and barriers identified by the researchers in the study are serious. Future studies should be done to assess the other areas often under attack by terrorist such as public transportation, critical infrastructure and commonplaces of convergence.