By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
Variety News Staff

GUAM’S proximity to enemy states and countries that host terrorists in the region makes the island a convenient base for fighting Washington’s global war on terror, according to experts. The military expansion is turning the island into a potential hotspot for terrorism and military reports acknowledge that the loosely guarded borders of the Marianas region open the island to the risk.
But is Guam prepared to deal with potential terrorist attacks? Does Guam have a plan implemented to deal with the threats? Has the plan been tested? What is being done to improve Guam’s security?
These are the questions that students of the University of Guam want to be answered at a forum to be held on the university campus Saturday.
“The forum will be open to the public. It will be a forum for anybody who wants to raise their concerns and seek answers from local and federal agencies,” said Carmelyn Campos, spokesperson for the forum titled “Terrorist Target: Guam.”
“If Guam is indeed a potential target, is there an existing plan to prevent it?” Campos asked.
The forum, to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at the UOG CLASS Lecture Hall, is hosted by the School of Business and Public Administration.
Guest speakers will include former Homeland Security adviser Sen. Frank Blas Jr., R-Barrigada, and officials from the Federal Aviation Administration, the Homeland Security Office, the Civil Defense Office, the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Guam Memorial Hospital, among other agencies.
“The speakers will talk about their agencies’ proactive and reactive plans for responding to terrorist acts,” Campos said.
Forum organizers have made a list of factors that potentially raise community concerns. Besides the military buildup, Guam’s geographic location is another important aspect considering that it is the gateway to Asia.
“North Korea is known to have nuclear explosives that might be able to reach Guam. It has been reported that Guam’s security is insufficient, allowing the island to be a high security risk. Federal reports state that Guam is vulnerable to terrorist threats,” reads the invitation flyer.