THE National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) downgraded on Tuesday its alert status from full to heightened alert effective 6 p.m. July 1 after an assessment of the peace and order situation and threat level.

NCRPO Director Guillermo Eleazar said they have not monitored any terrorist threat in the region. However, he said they were not relaxing their guard.

“Thus, all unit and station commanders are strictly reminded to continue to secure all PNP (Philippine National Police) headquarters and offices, vital installations, economic key points and places of convergence to guarantee that public safety concerns are checked and thoroughly supervised,” he said.

The NCR police force was placed on full alert on Friday, June 28, after alleged suicide bombers attacked a military camp in Indanan, Sulu. Eight people, including the two alleged bombers, were killed.

“The difference between the two status levels is really minimal. There may be less checkpoint frequencies but the mobilization of our police personnel and resources in the metropolis continues,” he said.

Intelligence operations will be intensified to foil any possible terror plans and detect terrorist personalities.

Eleazar also assured that they will remain pro-active and dedicated in the performance of duty to ensure public order and safety round the clock.

Meanwhile, the NCRPO chief reminded the public to remain vigilant and immediately report to authorities any suspicious person or behavior in their community.

“Public safety, peace and order are always a joint responsibility of the community and the police. Without community support and participation, the police will not be as strong. The primary reason why we are enjoying success in the peace and order situation in Metro Manila is because of the surge of public participation in matters of peace and order, especially in the fight against criminality. That is why crime volume in Metro Manila continues to go down," he said. (SunStar Philippines)