Manila cops on alert after Mindanao attacks

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila Police District is on full alert following a series of attacks in Central Mindanao, according to a memorandum issued by the MPD Jan. 9.

“Recently, a series of extortion-related and politically motivated explosions occurred in Central Mindanao,” the memorandum read.

The document, signed by Superintendent Frumencio Bernal III, told MPD officials to “maintain a defensive stance, be vigilant, ensure a high state of operational readiness to thwart any hostile action that may be launched by terrorist groups and secure all vital installations, economic key points as well as places of convergence.”

The memorandum cited four incidents in Central Mindanao as a basis for the alert.

On Dec. 26, 2012, two persons were killed and six others wounded when Rosary Heights 5, Cotabato City barangay chairman Amil Sula and his relatives were ambushed. Sula, his wife and seven-year-old son were among those hurt.

On the same day, three persons were wounded when an improvised explosive device went off near the Tacurong City rotunda. The bomb was made from a 60-mm mortar and a cell phone was its detonator.

On Dec. 27, 2012, two persons were wounded when motorcycle-riding attackers lobbed a hand grenade at the house of re-electionist President Quirino town, Sultan Kudarat Mayor Emilio Salamanca in Tacurong City.

On Dec. 29, 2012, six persons were hurt when a bomb exploded at the rear of a Husky passenger bus in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

The MPD memo said the crime situation in Luzon and Visayas has been highly stable, though it noted that occasional attacks by the New People’s Army could not be discounted.

The Philippine National Police earlier announced the extension of the Suspension of Offensive Police Operations from Jan. 3 to Jan. 15 to complement the nationwide ceasefire between the government and the National Democratic Front.