The Metro Manila police will not let its guard down despite not having monitored any terror threat that can spoil the commemoration of All Saints’ and Souls’ Day.
“Wala po tayong namomonitor na banta sa seguridad dito sa Metro Manila area. However, palagi po nating sinasabi ito na yung Metro Manila area is still in high level alert pagdating po sa threat on terrorism,” Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, said on Friday.
Albayalde, along with Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Supt. Guillermo Eleazar, conducted an inspection of bus terminals in Araneta Center, Cubao, Quezon City, where thousands of travellers are expected to flock ahead of the long “Undas” weekend.
READ: Close to 10,000 cops to be deployed in Metro Manila for ‘Undas’
Albayalde then proceeded to Pasay City to inspect all major airports and transportation hubs there. He was joined by the director of the Southern Police District, Senior Supt. Tomas Apolinario Jr.
Starting Saturday, NCRPO will deploy 9,533 cops to secure different areas in Metro Manila, particularly the 99 cemeteries in the metropolis.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has maintained its full alert status since President Duterte placed the country under a state of lawless violence following the deadly blast in Davao City last September.
The government also tapped the military to assist the PNP in securing Metro Manila for the observation of Undas until Nov. 2.
Albayalde reminded the public traveling to provinces via bus not to bring firearms, illegal drugs, bladed weapons and flammable materials. He cited one instance when the police confiscated a portable gas stove in a bus terminal.
“Mga kababayan po natin pinapaalahanan ho natin na bawal magdala ng baril, illegal na droga sa ating mga bagahe sa bus plus yung mga bladed weapons at mga flammable materials. Pinagbabawal din po ‘yan dahil kanina po meron silang nakumpiska na portable gas stove. Mahigpit pong ipinagbabawal ‘yan. Kung ano man pong bagay na pwedeng pumutok sa loob ng bus,” he said.
Cops will also be deployed in malls, LRT and MRT stations, seaports, and airports to conduct beat and mobile patrols with the assistance of barangay (village) peacekeeping action teams./rga