Red alert in Metro extended

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines National Capital Region Command (NCRCOM) had extended the red alert status among its troops in Metro Manila and nearby provinces until the New Year on Jan. 1, 2011.

NCRCOM soldiers and policemen in Metro Manila were placed on red alert status before the Oct. 25 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections nationwide. Troops are recalled to camps during red alert and the vacation leave of soldiers are put on hold.

Lt. Col. Armand Rico, NCRCOM spokesman, clarified that the extension of red alert status, is not linked to the travel advisories issued by the governments of Australia, United Kingdom, Canada, New Zealand, United States and France to their citizens following reports of possible terrorists attacks in the country.

Malacañang had downplayed the terrorist threat and even urged the concerned foreign governments to downgrade the travel advisories.

 “The NCRCOM has extended its red alert status until New Year and ordered its deployed troops in different parts of the metropolis to remain in their positions until further notice to pull out,” Rico said.

Troops assigned to the NCRCOM were barred from taking their furloughs to celebrate Christmas and New Year with their families.

“We will continue to provide security support to the National Capital Region Police Office. That’s why the command extends its red alert due to the onset of the Yuletide Seasons,” Rico said.

Rico said the terrorist threats are still being verified.

Aside from troops currently deployed in the metropolis, 1,200 more troops have been placed on standby and can be called in for any security operations if the need arises, he said.

“Part of the mandate of the command is not only to secure Metro Manila form security threats but also to conduct pre-emptive disaster activities,” Rico said.