No Christmas terror threat, says PNP; stays on ‘high alert’

Feel free to go on shopping and dawn Masses for Christmas–the only ‘terror’ you’ll have to contend with are the crowds.

In a press forum held earlier this week, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ricardo Marquez Jr. said that “there has been no credible threat against the community for the Christmas season.”

Marquez gave the assurance Tuesday in a forum in organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

“There haven’t been any reports yet [of threats]. But our units are on heightened alert status, not for any terrorist threat, but for the influx of people in malls and markets,” Marquez said.

“So you can go ahead and shop,” Marquez quipped.

Meanwhile, in a press briefing on Wednesday, PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said that the police has already released “operational guidelines” to its regional offices for the Christmas season. This would include “increased police visibility,” such as the setting up of checkpoints, and “focused police operations” on firecrackers and illegal discharge of firearms. 

“December 16 is the start of Simbang Gabi (Dawn Masses). The bulk of travel starts December 18 to 20, so expect increased police visibility then,” Mayor said.