AN ANTI-terror drill was conducted Saturday at the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 in Cubao, Quezon City to raise public awareness and preparation against the threats of terrorism in the country, authorities said.
The simulation drill, participated by the LRT, Philippine National Police (PNP) and organized by the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC) was held two days after an explosion caused by an improvised explosive device rocked two department stores in Iligan City killing three persons and wounding 47 others.
It also came 10 days before the eight-year anniversary of the Rizal Day bombing that took place almost simultaneously in Metro Manila in a span of a few hours.
The exercise, which was coordinated by the National Counter-Terrorism Action Group (Nactag) headed by former PNP chief Arturo Lomibao, was meant to showcase the government preparedness on how to respond to terror attacks and evacuate casualties.
Saturday's scenario depicted what transpires in a terror attack inside an LRT train, Justice Undersecretary Ricardo Blancaflor said.
"Passengers on board were 'alarmed' by the presence of a suspected suicide bomber who was disguised as an ordinary passenger but with sets of bombs around his body," Blancaflor said in describing the simulation.
During the drill, the suspect caused panic.
This information then reached the Operations Control Center, which immediately coordinated with external security components of the Nactag Operation Center and the PNP Regional Mobile Group of the National Capital Region Police Office and the organic LRT Authority team for initial crisis management.
"The door of the train has not opened yet when the bomb around the body of the terrorist suddenly exploded. Commotion ensued following the explosion. The presumed attack left hundreds of passenger dead, including the train operator and train escorts. Hundreds were also injured," related Blancaflor.
Emergency and rescue personnel immediately swung into action to evacuate the casualties, while police personnel cordoned off the area.
Due to the real-life scenario depicted in the simulation, LRTA Administrator Melquiades Robles had to repeatedly assure the passengers that what was taking place was just an exercise and there is no need to be alarmed.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who were among the government officials who took part in the drill, said the simulation aims to fine-tune the response of authorities and civilians in detecting and reacting to terrorist attacks.
"If ever something happens, authorities and the public would know what to do. This drill is designed to do that," Ermita said.
He also said the exercise would raise the public awareness on such threats, adding that civilians can play a big role in detecting terrorism.
Ermita, meanwhile, refuted claims the drill was held in response to Thursday's blasts in Iligan City. This was echoed by NCRPO Director Leopoldo Bataoil.
"This has nothing to do with the incident in Iligan. This drill was planned a month ago and was designed to show what the government could do facing same kind of scenario," Bataoil said.
The NCRPO has unveiled a security plan dubbed "Paskuhan 2008" to safeguard the metropolis from criminal and terrorist elements.
This includes the deployment of additional foot and mobile patrols in vital installations like the LRT and the MRT stations, oil depots, bus terminals, seaports, airports and shopping centers until after the holidays.
Intelligence gathering operation is also being intensified to thwart any criminal and terrorist elements out to sabotage the Christmas celebration.
Also present during the drill were retired general Pedro Cabuay; executive director of the ATC Coordinating Center Fernando Mesa and Senior Superintendent Paterno Hernandez, deputy chief of Nactag. (AH/Sunnex)
