Metro Manila cops on full alert after Jolo twin blasts
Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Mon, 28 Jan 2019 08:02:00 +0000
SPECIAL Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) officers secure the areas along UN Avenue in Manila, January 28, 2019. The National Capital Region Office declared a full alert status, the highest security alert status, in Metro Manila, following Sunday’s twin deadly blasts in a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu, that left at least 20 people dead and scores wounded. (Czar Dancel)
DIRECTOR Guillermo Eleazar, chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), ordered Monday the implementation of full alert status, the highest security alert status, in Metro Manila to secure the metropolis from terror attacks.
With the order, he said the public should expect tightened security in Metro Manila in the coming days as the security plan they crafted will be put in place.
“I have placed the NCRPO in full alert status, with the mindset of utilizing all our resources in NCRPO to the maximum, to help ensure no such incidents happen in Metro Manila,” said Eleazar.
“In the next few weeks or so, we will increase the number and frequency of our checkpoints including our Oplan Sita. We will deploy more police men and women to conduct foot patrol in most frequent areas of convergence,” he added.
The full alert order, which means all NCRPO personnel must be present for duty at all times, came after the Jolo blast that killed 20 people.
Among the areas which he wants to be tightly guarded, he said, are commercial areas, school and university belts, market places, churches and other busy areas.
“There will be increased police presence and visibility in these areas. Also, we will deploy our mobile units and patrol cars 24/7 to discourage, prevent and deter any evil plots from unfolding,” said
Eleazar.
The official, however, asked for public cooperation to ensure maximum security implementation in the metropolis, starting off with coordination with the police against suspicious-looking people in their communities.
“With our heightened efforts to ensure the safety of each and every resident of Metro Manila, I ask for your patience and understanding, for the slight inconveniences or delays that may affect your daily lives and routines. I assure you, what we are doing are for you and your families, for which I ask your cooperation,” said Eleazar. (Aaron Recuenco)