Binay urges mayors to help thwart bombings

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman Jejomar Binay urged the 17 city and municipal mayors of Metro Manila yesterday to mobilize their respective peace and order councils (POCs) to help the Philippine National Police (PNP) thwart further bombings by terrorist groups of malls and business establishments in the metropolis.

Binay, who also chairs the Metro Manila POC, said that the bombings of Glorietta Mall in Makati and Shoemart Megamall in Mandaluyong could have been prevented by increased cooperation of local governments with the protective services of the national government.

"Increased visibility of PNP operatives complemented by the additional deployment of private security personnel at the mall and other high-population density centers is already reassuring. But given the determination of some criminal elements, additional security measures will have to be put into place," Binay said.

He said that the bombings in Glorietta and Megamall occurred due to gaps in security. "But with the assistance of the local governments, we will be able to better deter their recurrence and improve the chance of the PNP and other protective services to apprehend the culprits," Binay said.

Binay also asked the Metro mayors to help him maintain close coordination with the owners of the malls in Metro Manila to ensure the safety of the people.

He said that the Metro mayors should mobilize the machinery of their respective local governments down to the barangay level.

"We have to get everybody involved, even our barangay officials. The public should cooperate with the authorities who are tasked to secure malls and other high-population density centers," Binay said.

He urged the public to be calm but vigilant and alert in dealing with the bombing incidents.