All-systems go for NCRPO vs Mindanao war spillover

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRO) gave assurance yesterday that security preparations are in place in Metro Manila to prevent the possible spill-over of hostilies in Mindanao.

NCRPO chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco directed the five police district directors and the 37 station commanders to further enhance police visibility, fortify "target hardening" capabilities, and to activate their intelligence networks to thwart possible terrorist attacks in the metropolis.

"There is no cause for alarm. The preparations being undertaken by the NCRPO are standard," Velasco assured the public.

He pointed out that the security blanket is in line with President Arroyo’s commitment to wage war against terrorism in the country, which has been brought to fore by the recent bombings in Siocon and Koronadal, that left scores of people dead and wounded.

While urging the public to remain calm, Velasco called on them to be vigilant against sympathy attacks that may arise in the face of the government’s offensive against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and other insurgency groups.

Velasco said that the "target hardening" activities and enhanced security detail are not merely in line with the continuing anti-terrorism campaign of the government but also a means to effect a reduction on the commission of street crimes in the metropolis. "The participation of the community remains the vital element toward the successful maintenance of peace and order in the metropolis," said Velasco, as he called on the public to report the sightings of suspicious-looking characters as well as the discovery of mysterious packages through the PNP Text 2920, Magic Eye Txt patrol 2910, and the DILG Hotline 117.

The NCRPO chief said he also received assurance from different Muslim communities in Metro Manila that they are peace-loving citizens and that they will help the police in thwarting any sympathy attacks that may be hatched in the metropolis by extremists.

The NCRPO has deployed additional policemen to secure vital installations in Metro Manila, particularly government establishments, transportation systems including sea ports, bus terminals, as well as the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) in coordination with the Department of Transportation (DOTC), water and electrical facilities, oil depots, malls and other public places.

More motorcycle units, mostly from the regional Security Action Unit (RSAU) and the Light Reaction Unit (LRUs) of the different districts, have been dispatched to further enhance police visibility in the streets of Metro Manila.