Makati downplays threat of terror

Makati City Jejomar Binay downplayed yesterday the threat of terrorism in the city even as he ordered tighter security measures in the Central Business District (CBD).

The mayor met with officials of the Makati police and the Southern Police District yesterday to discuss the status of security and the police presence in response to the bombing incidents in Zamboanga and Quezon City.

Binay clarified that there have been no reported terrorist activities in the city amid speculations raised after a grenade throwing incident on EDSA near Ayala Avenue last week. He ruled out the possibility that the incident was a terrorist attack.

The bomb threats received by the Makati police along with the suspicious package found at the Glorietta parking area last Sunday were all attributed to pranksters.

However, he did not discount the possibility that the city might be a target because of its status as the premier financial district of the country.

The city government pledged to give the police an increase in its gasoline allowance in order to expand patrolling activities around the CBD.

Makati City chief of police Superintendent Jovito Gutierrez said an additional 50 policemen would be deployed in the city from the National Capital Regional Police Office this December. Makati is also expecting another 100 policemen this February from the NCRPO.

Binay said there are several undercover policemen patrolling the CBD, particularly the malls to ensure the safety of civilians.

On the part of Southern Police District director Chief Superintendent Jose Gutierrez Sr. said the discovery of a suspected bomb at the Glorietta parking area last Sunday was probably meant to test the capability of the police in responding to such threats.

He said they are closely monitoring Maharlika Village, the Muslim community in Taguig, for possible entry of outsiders.

For its part, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said it has given traffic enforcers the authority to randomly inspect the bags of civilians on the streets.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has also increased the police visibility at the mall areas in the city. He added that a curfew was imposed in the city last Oct. 15 for persons 17 years old and below.