PNP: No terror threats for polls, but full alert status stays

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said they have not received any terror threat, but it will retain its full alert status for the elections.

“Wala tayong natatanggap na banta ng terrorismo (We have not received any terror threat) but we will not take any chances, we [will] maintain our full alert status,” PNP spokesperson Bernard Banac said in a press conference in Camp Crame on Friday.

In Mindanao, Banac said intensified security measures would remain in place following the arrest of three suspected members of the Islamic State-linked Daulah Islamiyah Ranao Extremists on Friday.

READ: CIDG nabs 3 alleged members of Islamic State terror cell

“Yung pagkahuli ng suspected terrorist ay patunay na pag-igting ang ating pagkampanya sa paghahanap ng suspected members ng terror group at dahil nga riyan napakahigpit ng seguridad na pinapatupad sa bahagi ng Mindanao,” Banac said.

(The arrest of the suspected terrorists is proof that we had intensified the campaign against members of terror groups. That’s why we are implementing strict security measures in different parts of Mindanao.)

The PNP-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) arrested suspects Norodin Abolkhair Manalinding and Cairo Gen Manatao Abolkhair along Rimas Street in Barangay Baclaran in Parañaque City.

CIDG’s Initial investigation showed that Manalinding was the alleged finance facilitator and recruiter of the terror group.

A third suspect, Tagoranao Dimaro Sarip Jr., was arrested in Barangay Sto. Domingo in Cainta, Rizal for alleged violation of the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act and illegal possession of explosives.

Sarip was allegedly a propagandist and a member of the ISIS media cell responsible for spreading propaganda, according to the CIDG. (Editor: Eden Estopace)