BI, PCG on alert after US bombing

MANILA, Philippines - Immigration authorities and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) went on alert yesterday on reports of possible terror attacks following the bombing of the Boston Marathon earlier this week.

The Philippine Postal Corp. (PHLPost), on the other hand, has called for an emergency meeting on Monday to review security procedures in receiving and delivery of letters and packages.

“We are on alert at all times, especially if we are talking about suspected terrorists. The requirement of Immigration Commissioner Ricardo David Jr. is that it does not have to take an incident like the one in Boston for us to be on our watch,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) spokesperson and intelligence division chief Ma. Antonette Bucasas-Mangrobang said.

She added they are on alert for the possible entry of any of the identified and declared terrorists that have been included in the immigration blacklist, as well as those who are known to have been involved in a terrorist attack.

“Our standard operating procedure in the arrival of foreigners is constant. If the foreigner could not display or cannot prove his or her intention to travel into the country, then that is a ground to exclude (them) and not allow them entry,” Mangrobang said.

Since the BI is part of the “airport family,” and when the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) declares that they are on alert, Mangrobang said they would also remain vigilant.

PCG spokesman Commander Armand Balilo said that as of noon yesterday, there was no directive for them to go on heightened alert.

“The directive of PCG commandant Rear Admiral Rodolfo Isorena was when it comes to security at the ports, they should always be vigilant. Also, our K9 units and intelligence officers are also monitoring the developments,” Balilo said.

He added they would also continue with their port inspections and coordinate with the shipping companies and port managers.

PHLPost postmaster general Josefina de la Cruz said she has set an emergency meeting on Monday to revise the present security procedures in the receiving and delivery of letters and packages.

Postal officials noted reports that US President Barack Obama and Sen. Roger Wicker received letters containing ricin, a highly toxic substance.

“We are in fact calling for an emergency meeting for critical people to draw new security guidelines,” De la Cruz said.

De la Cruz added she is also rushing the purchase of two X-ray machines that would be installed at PHLPost’s Central Mail Exchange Center in Pasay City.

While they have placed an order for the two X-ray units long before the Boston Marathon explosion or the discovery of the poison letters, De la Cruz said their installation would be “perfect timing.”