NCRPO to deploy bomb, K9 units

MANILA, Philippines — The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will send more explosives ordnance disposal (EOD) and K9 units to public places in Metro Manila following a series of bombings in Mindanao.

NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Felipe Natividad said yesterday that while intelligence operations have been ramped up in the wake of the bombings, the police and the military have not received any information about possible attacks in the metropolis.

“We don’t want to let our guard down in places of convergence like markets, terminals, places of worship, malls… We will be fielding additional EOD-K9 units. We will deploy in the whole metropolis,” he said.

Natividad is also asking residents to immediately report suspicious activities and packages as part of heightened security measures in Metro Manila.

The metropolis remains under full alert following a bus bombing in Koronadal, South Cotabato that left two wounded and another explosion near a bus terminal in Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat last week.

On Monday, two people were hurt in explosions in Isabela City, Basilan.

“I think it would be best for all of us to be involved, not only the police and armed forces… of course also our citizens so we can maintain peace and order here in Metro Manila,” he said in an interview with CNN Philippines.

The appeal came a day after Natividad ordered stricter security measures and increased police visibility in Metro Manila as precautions against terrorist attacks.

Natividad said the full alert status in Metro Manila has not been lifted since the election period remains in effect until June 8.

Meanwhile, Natividad reported that 1,249 people have been arrested in Metro Manila for violating the gun ban since the election period started on Jan. 9.

Police have seized 425 short firearms, seven long firearms, 202 gun replicas, 644 bladed weapons, 15 grenades, 14 other explosives and 3,862 bullets.