Checkpoints doubled in Metro Manila after Sulu blasts

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) would double its checkpoint operations in Metro Manila to prevent incidents similar to Sunday’s bombing at a cathedral in Sulu that left scores of people dead and wounded, an official said yesterday.

“We will increase the number and frequency of our checkpoints including our Operation Plan Sita (Oplan Sita) to prevent the sneaking in of bombs and explosives,” NCRPO chief Director Guillermo Eleazar said.

“We would deploy our policemen and women in strategic areas of Metro Manila to increase police presence and visibility, in order to discourage, prevent and deter any evil plots from unfolding,” he added.

Police and military officials said at least 20 people were killed while 100 were wounded in the twin explosions at the Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu.

Calling the incident a threat to national security, Eleazar said he placed the NCRPO on full alert to utilize “all our resources to the maximum, to help ensure that no such incidents happen in Metro Manila.”

He urged the public to continue with their daily routines but to “remain alert and vigilant. Report any suspicious person or behavior, or any new unfamiliar face in the neighborhood to the nearest policeman you can reach or communicate with personaly or through the NCRPO’s hotlines.”

Eleazar asked for patience and understanding from the public since the doubling of checkpoint operations may cause traffic slowdowns.

“Together, let us make Metro Manila a secure and safe place for our children, relatives and friends,” he said.

NAIA on alert

Meanwhile, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals were placed on heightened alert following the Jolo cathedral bombing.

Government security agencies, particularly the Office for Transportation Security (OTS), doubled security checks on luggage brought by departing passengers to ensure that no firearms or explosives are smuggled into the airport terminals.

“We are still on Security Condition 1 though on heightened alert,” Ed Monreal, head of the Manila International Airport Authority, said.

Security Condition 1 means the NAIA terminals would have minimum appropriate protective security measures maintained at all times.

The OTS sets the security level for ports within the Philippine territory and for all ships carrying the Philippine flag. – With Rudy Santos