PH on alert level 3 for possible terror attack—PNP

PNP Chief Ronald dela Rosa. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/LYN RILLON

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa on Thursday said the entire country has been placed under terror alert level 3, a warning that a deadly terror attack is imminent “within a short period of time.”

Dela Rosa made the disclosure as he presented to the media two men who were arrested for their supposed role in last Monday’s failed bomb attack near the US Embassy in Manila.

READ: Terror group members tried to bomb Luneta—Bato

His statement also came after the military announced it had regained control of the municipality of Butig, Lanao del Sur province, which was occupied by the terrorist Maute Group last Saturday.

According to PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, the country is placed under terror alert level 3 “when a terrorist attack is a strong possibility within a short period of time.”

Speaking to reporters, the PNP chief advised the public to expect more security checkpoints in urban centers and crowded places nationwide as a countermeasure to possible terror threats.

He clarified that the country’s terror alert was heightened after the Sept. 2 bomb attack allegedly carried out by the Maute Group in Davao City, which left 15 people dead.

READ:  9 soldiers, including presidential guards, wounded by Marawi bomb

“(The people) should expect strong (police) checkpoints and the conduct of ‘Oplan Sita’ anytime. Some raids are being conducted by our security forces on suspected terrorist personalities and lairs,” Dela Rosa told a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Asked if it should be a cause for alarm, he said: “No. We should not be alarmed. But we should be alert.”

“I am advising the public to be vigilant, alert, cautious and to enjoy Christmas,” he added. IDL/rga