Director General Ricardo Marquez, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered yesterday all his police commanders to secure vital installations and the usual go-to places during Holy Week break amid the terror attack at the airport and a subway in Brussels that left 34 people dead last Tuesday.
In compliance with the order, the PNP’s Aviation Security Group (AVSEGRP) has immediately deployed additional personnel to help secure various airports across the country, particularly at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, PNP spokesman, said Marquez’s order for intensified police visibility and action will be reflected in the form of increased foot and mobile patrols and setting up of temporary police posts in places of convergence such as bus terminals, sea ports, train stations, churches and recreational areas.
“We will also be deploying personnel to secure major thoroughfares and various converging points as part of our intensified operations,” said Mayor.
Mayor, however, said they have not received any serious threat especially in Metro Manila amid previous reports that there are some groups trying to set up an ISIS base in the country, particularly in Mindanao.
“There have ben no validated reports of terrorist threats in Metro Manila. Security forces and intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs,” said Mayor.
He then allayed fears of sympathy or spillover of terror attacks in the country such as what happened in the past wherein several bombing activities were launched in Metro Manila such as the Rizal Day attack in 2000.
“The PNP assures the public that sufficient units are on standby, ready to respond to any situation and act on contingencies,” said Mayor.
But he enjoined public vigilance and cooperation in the conduct and implementation of security measures for the Holy Week.
“The public’s social responsibility and cooperation is very vital in preventing crime in a community. So we encourage the public to provide the police with relevant and timely information,” said Mayor.
The official said the information could be coursed through the social media through the Facebook and Twitter accounts of the PNP and the hotline numbers such as 0917-8475757.
