NCRPO: Exercises to improve police response vs terror attacks

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District conducted simulation exercises to enhance their response against possible terrorist threats during the coming Holy Week, the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Thursday.

“Itong simulation exercise na ito ay bahagi ng ating preparation sa darating na Semana Santa, summer vacation, at para maiwasan ang banta ng terorismo,” Major General Guillermo Eleazar, director of NCRPO, told reporters after police exercises in Intramuros.

Earlier, the MPD and rescue units simulated a bombing and an active shooting incident outside the Manila Cathedral and the San Agustin Church in Intramuros to ensure public safety during the coming Holy Week.

Participants of the bombing and active shooter simulation exercises gather at Plaza Roma in Intramuros, Manila, on Thursday, April 4, 2019, to assess the security preparation for the Holy Week. INQUIRER.NET / RYAN LEAGOGO

Eleazar said the bomb simulation would help policemen and rescue units to prepare for possible incidents such as the twin blasts that rocked the Catholic cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, on Jan. 27.

“Ang scenario ay bomb explosion parang yung nangyari sa Jolo. So tinitingnan natin yung interoperability ng mga ahensya na kasama natin dito di lamang ng police, pati na rin ang ahensya ng ating lokal na pamahalaan,” Eleazar said.

The NCRPO chief also assured that there are no threats against churches but noted that Metro Manila police officers should still prepare for any untoward incidents that may occur during the Holy Week.

“Wala tayong threat na nare-receive pero ito kasing ating Semana Santa, ang mga places of convergence nitong mga lugar na ito ay mga simbahan so nararapat lamang na ang ating police assistance desk na ating ilalatag sa mga simabahan dito sa buong Metro Manila ay dapat handa,” he said. /cbb