MANILA, Philippines – (UPDATE) Metro Manila police have strengthened their forces over the presence of a high-profile suspect in the killings of at least 57 people in Maguindanao province.

National Capital Region police officer Director Roberto Rosales on Friday said he has ordered Manila Police District’s Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Magtibay to coordinate closely with leaders of the Muslim community in his city to prevent a possible retaliation and spillover of violence from Maguindanao due to the presence of Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr.

Ampatuan is detained at the National Bureau of Investigation in Taft Avenue, Manila over charges of multiple murder.

Rosales said he has also ordered Magtibay to coordinate closely with the NBI to augment its security personnel in and around the vicinity of the NBI office as needed.

Rosales also ordered an increase in mobile and beat patrols as well as checkpoints around the NBI headquarters.

A unit from the Special and Weapons Tactics (SWAT) division is also on standby 24 hours for immediate deployment, Rosales added.

Rosales said the presence of armed men would be dealt with without prejudice as the deadline of gun amnesty on November 30 is fast approaching.

“After the deadline, we shall start with our search and seizure operations and our checkpoints will be increased so that we can already account all loose firearms in Metro Manila and make violators face prosecution,” he said in a statement Friday.

The NCRPO chief warned individuals and groups planning to conduct violent activities in Metro Manila in sympathy of the suspect or victims, or those who might want to take advantage of the situation.

Ampatuan was flown to Manila from Maguindanao Thursday night after he was surrendered by his family to authorities following allegations that he masterminded the carnage where at least 57 people died, including women and journalists.