PNP says recent bombings not connected to each other

PNP Spokesperson Sr. Supt. Benigno Durana. INQUIRER.net file photo

Philippine National Police (PNP) Spokesperson Benigno Durana Jr. clarified that the police force is in control of the country’s security, emphasizing that the recent bombing incidents are not in any way connected nor coordinated to each other.

“Heightened alert, not full alert, in the sense that we are on top of the situation. This is not endemic, some incidents are not related,” Durana said in an interview with reporters inside his office at Camp Crame on Wednesday.

READ: PNP to beef up police presence after Basilan blast

“Nakita niyo, if I’m not mistaken, hindi coordinated and it’s not a terror attack.  NPA (New People’s Army) ‘yong iba, hindi rin ito ISIS as claimed by some,” he added.

Three different areas in the country have experienced attacks in less than a week.  Ten were killed in Lamitan, Basilan on Tuesday, after a suicide bomber set off an explosive inside a van with women, children, soldiers and Cafgu members.

READ: 11 killed as van explodes in Basilan

On the same day, an improvised explosive device (IED) went off in Barangay San Jose, Antipolo City, injuring two.  Then on Wednesday night, another IED damaged a bridge and a boat at the Masbate City Port.

READ: Explosion rocks Masbate City port bridge

Earlier, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar placed the police force of the region on heightened alert.  However, Durana said that the public should not worry about the move, as it was only a preemptive measure.

“Nothing to be alarmed, your police is on top of the situation […] but at the same time we want to be proactive that’s why even here in Metro Manila, nagkaroon po tayo ng heightened alert just to make us aware that there may be risks,” Durana explained.

READ: Metro Manila put under heightened alert after Basilan blast

“But it’s something that should not alarm our people,” he added.

According to Durana, a heightened alert requires at least 80 percent of the entire police force to be active while the rest would be on standby for support, in case of an escalation to a full alert.

The spokesperson also appealed to the public to refrain from spreading fear and panicking, urging them to help with peacekeeping instead.

“I will take this opportunity to appeal to the public kasi ‘yong safety and security ng ating mga komunidad ay talagang mapapanitili […] kung may tulong ng ating mamamayan,” Durana said.

“We cannot be their eyes and ears in all corners of the Philippines, but we have the law-abiding, peace-loving Filipinos who can ensure safety and security,” he added. /je