Bomb-sniffing dogs deployed in malls, shopping centers

Even dogs can now go malling.

The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) deployed over the weekend at least 16 K-9 bomb-sniffing dogs in various commercial centers and shopping malls in Metro Manila.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Edgar Aglipay is hoping that the deployment of K-9 units would deter armed groups from smuggling bombs and explosives inside these business establishments.

Earlier, an additional 1,000 newly recruited policemen and 220 Air Force men were detailed in the five police districts in Metro Manila to augment their police visibility campaign.

"The deployment of canines is a big difference considering that they can smell explosives and bombs even if they are neatly wrapped or totally concealed," Aglipay said in a telephone interview.

Four canines each were sent to Manila, Quezon City and southern Metro Manila, while two each were detailed in the Northern and Eastern police districts.

According to Aglipay, the K-9 units are to secure eight establishments in Manila while six shopping malls and commercial centers are under the canines' nose in eastern Metro Manila. Quezon City and southern Metro Manila dog units have five malls in their area of concern. Northern Metro Manila has two malls with watchdogs.

But Aglipay clarified that the K-9 units will not actually be allowed inside shops and restaurants for they may cause alarm among customers.

"They will clear shopping centers of bombs. But they definitely will be deployed not inside these establishments but in probable spots where the bombs will most likely be placed," said Aglipay, adding dogs in malls would last only while there are bomb threats.

In this month alone, two bombs have exploded in the upscale Glorietta Shopping Center in Makati and near the skating rink in Luneta Park. A rifle grenade also exploded near the house of Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Panfilo Lacson in Camp Crame.

On the Glorietta bombing which injured 13 people, the Southern Police District (SPD) denied yesterday reports that fragments retrieved from the explosion would be sent to the United States for analysis.

"That is not true. We do have the capability to analyze the bomb fragments. There is no need to send the fragments to the United States for analysis," SPD director Chief Superintendent Manuel Cabigon said, belying the statement made earlier by Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora.

Though police had initially blamed a teenage gang war for the blast, subsequent investigation said the incident may have been the work of professionals.

The police have in recent days also defused bombs at the Finance building and Luneta, and at the SM Shopping Center in Makati City. -Non Alquitran, Mike Frialde, Ella