Passengers bound for provinces queue in line to check in for their flight at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City to take the Holy Week break. INQUIRER PHOTO / RICHARD A. REYES
The Philippine National Police Wednesday assured the public, especially Holy Week travelers, that there are “no validated reports of terrorist threats in Metro Manila.”
The PNP assurance came a day after Islamic State (IS) bombers killed around 35 people and injured hundreds in attacks at a Brussels airport and a metro train in Belgium on Tuesday.
“Security forces and the intelligence network are continuously monitoring and doing their jobs,” Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor, spokesperson for the PNP, said in a statement Wednesday.
Ready to respond
“The PNP assures the public that sufficient units are on standby, ready to respond to any situation and act on contingencies,” Mayor said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines gave the same assurance: “The AFP, together with other security forces, has taken up the necessary steps to prevent similar incidents from occurring in our country,” said Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP Public Affairs Office chief.
“Our intensified security and intelligence gathering efforts are [going on] to monitor threat groups and deter any terror attempt,” Detoyato said.
Attacks condemned
Detoyato said the Philippine military condemned the terrorist attacks in Brussels.
“This attack cannot be justified by any ideology and has no place in any civilized society. We are also extending our heartfelt sympathy to the victims of this attack in Brussels and we hope that the victims will find the strength and resolve to move forward,” Detoyato said.
The PNP chief, Director General Ricardo Marquez, has issued directives for all police units “to secure vital installations and implement target-hardening measures” for the start of summer vacation.
The measures include deployment of additional personnel to airports, increased police foot and mobile patrols, and deployment of police assistance desks and road safety marshals to bus terminals, seaports, train stations, recreational areas and major roads.
Remain vigilant
Detoyato, however, advised the public to remain vigilant even during the long holiday.
“We ask our people to report any unusual or suspicious items that may be used for terror acts. Security has always been a shared responsibility and their vigilance and cooperation are important in preventing terrorist attacks,” he said.
The PNP likewise encouraged the public to forward reports through its hotline 0917-8475757 or its social media accounts on Twitter (@pnppio and @pnphotline) or on the PNP Facebook page.