Full alert up in Mindanao; heightened alert in NCR after S. Kudarat blast

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has placed Mindanao under a full alert status and Metro Manila under a heightened alert status following the deadly blast in Sultan Kudarat that killed two and wounded 36 others.

“Effective this morning, I directed all the regional directors ng (of the) regional area to declare a full alert status already… Dito sa Metro Manila (Here in Metro Manila), we will be on heightened alert,” said PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

The improvised bomb exploded at around 8:30 p.m. in front of J and H Marketing in Barangay Kalawag 3 on Tuesday night.

READ: 2 killed, 36 hurt in Sultan Kudarat bombing

“Eto ‘yung tugon hangga’t hindi matapos yung Martial Law doon (This is our response until the Martial Law has not ended).… We will maintain full alert status in Mindanao,” Albayalde added.

Under a full alert status, Albayalde said there will be 100 percent presence of police force in the region. Leaves and day-offs will be canceled, while checkpoints will also be increased, he said.

Albayalde assured they have enough troops in Mindanao in partnership with the Special Action Force and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

He also said he heard that local authorities have been receiving a lead about the bomb threat, but stressed the intelligence information is always “general” and the place of the incident is always undisclosed.

Albayalde said the incident is still under investigation.  /muf