PNP says Metro Manila still ‘under control’ amid fears of terror spillover

Colonel Bernard Banac, Philippine National Police spokesperson. INQUIRER.net file photo / Cathrine Gonzales

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Friday that the peace and order situation in Metro Manila is still under control in view of fears that terrorism in Mindanao may possibly spill over the metropolis.

PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the police have not received any threat on the security of residents in Metro Manila but added state forces remain vigilant against possible terror activities.

“Ang ating peace and order ay under control pero kailangan pa rin nating ipagpatuloy ang ating vigilance at alertness,” he told reporters in a chance interview at Camp Crame, referring to the country’s capital region.

(Our peace and order is under control but we need to continue our vigilance and alertness.)

Banac also said the PNP has not received a report on a possible lone wolf attack in other parts of the country, after the deadly twin blasts at a military camp in Indanan, Sulu on June 28 that killed seven — including three soldiers, two civilians, and two suspected suicide bombers — and injured 22 others.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana earlier warned that a spillover of terror attacks in Mindanao may reach Metro Manila following recent bombings and the presence of foreign terrorists in country’s South.

READ: AFP: 7 foreign terrorists training future suicide bombers in Mindanao

But Lorenzana also assured the public that state security forces are alerted of the possibility of these attacks.

Banac also called on the public to report to authorities should they find information about suspicious activities or operations of terror groups. /jpv