Metro terror alert remains high

MANILA, Philippines - The terror alert level in Metro Manila remains high after the attempted bombing on Roxas Boulevard last week, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said yesterday.

This is because Metro Manila, being the capital and center of government, “is prone to retaliatory acts” of terrorist groups being pursued by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Mindanao, NCRPO director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde told The STAR.

The AFP has been engaged in operations against members of the Maute terror group in the town of Butig for almost a week now.  

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa announced during the presentation of the two suspects in the foiled bombing near the US embassy on Roxas Boulevard that the country was at terror alert Level 3.

Dela Rosa’s announcement caused some sectors to speculate that authorities were creating scenarios to instill fear among the people so that President Duterte could impose martial law.

But Duterte and Dela Rosa both shot down the idea of placing the country under such rule.

Albayalde said Dela Rosa just failed to explain the definition of the “terror alert Level 3,” which was about being vigilant against threats.

He added the alert level had been in place since the bombing incident in Davao City last September to stop attacks from spilling over to Metro Manila and other areas.

“We only adopted the security level to make sure that our security measures are in place, particularly on intelligence gathering and countering terrorism operations,”Albayalde said.

“It is not meant to scare or make the public panic,” he added.

Albayalde also stressed “there is no clear, present and imminent danger in Metro Manila” despite the Roxas Boulevard incident.

He said the police had been conducting “leapfrogging” or mobile checkpoints with due respect to human rights to improve visibility and other efforts against terrorism.

Albyalde said about 80 to 85 percent of their men, plus the augmentation from the AFP, would be designated in all airports and seaports in Metro Manila especially this Christmas season.

He also said they would enhance police visibility in all vital stations and crowded places in Metro Manila.

Albayalde warned police officers to take their duties seriously to avoid getting charged administratively for neglect of duty.

Albayalde’s warning came after some police were reported to be just staying inside their mobile patrol cars or hanging around inside convenience stores instead of patrolling.