WPD goes on full alert

Manila police have gone on full alert, conducting mobile checkpoints and body searches in possible terrorist targets.

Western Police District (WPD) director Chief Superintendent Pedro Bulaong said they have established security zones near train stations, vital government installations and economic points in the country’s capital.

On orders of Bulaong, WPD-District Operations and Plans Division head Chief Inspector Florencio Ortilla sent a memorandum to all 11 station commanders of the WPD, stating that the security zones must have a one-kilometer radius from the facility.

He also ordered stricter vehicle, baggage and body checks on persons entering and exiting these installations and convergence areas.

The WPD earlier identified some 23 "high-impact terrorist targets," including government and private structures, as well as seven evacuation sites in case of an attack.

On the list of high-impact terrorist targets are the Pandacan oil depot, Malacañang Palace complex, the US Embassy, the Light Trail Transit (LRT) in Sta. Cruz, Quiapo and Taft Avenue; Rizal Park; Robinson’s Ermita, SM City Manila and Harrison Plaza in Malate.

Government installations in the list are the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) compound; Supreme Court; Department of Justice; Court of Appeals; Manila Cathedral; Manila Hotel; Philippine General Hospital; National Bureau of Investigation (NBI); Manila City Hall; Bureau of Customs (BOC); North and South Harbors; and the PLDT office along España Avenue.

Two universities – University of Santo Tomas (UST) and De La Salle University – rounded up the WPD’s list of terrorist targets.