NCRPO chief downgrades alert status in Metro Manila

MANILA. National Capital Region Police Office Chief Guillermo Eleazar. (Al Padilla/SunStar Philippines)
MANILA. National Capital Region Police Office Chief Guillermo Eleazar. (Al Padilla/SunStar Philippines)

NATIONAL Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) Chief Guillermo Eleazar ordered Thursday, February 7, the downgrading of the alert status in the entire Metro Manila from full to heightened alert.

Eleazar said the downgrading of alert status was due to the surrender of several suspects involved in Jolo twin blasts on January 27 that resulted in the killing of 23 people and wounding of 95 others.

"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. Our intelligence plans, strategies and efforts to detect terrorist personalities continue," he said.

"While the Jolo bombing case has been solved, we cannot relax our guard. From this sad experience, we have learned that terrorist threat is lurking over the country and can be triggered anytime, anywhere," he added.

Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde earlier placed the police forces in Luzon and the Visayas in highest alert level to ensure that there will be no spillover of attacks following the Jolo explosions.

Mindanao, on the other hand, remains on the highest security alert status, as it is under martial law since the Marawi City siege in May 2017.

Eleazar said Metro Manila as the center of commerce trade remains to be a target of terrorists, that is why police forces have to be alert and vigilant 24/7.

The NCRPO director also reminded the public to be alert and vigilant too and to report to the nearest barangay or policeman any suspicious people or behavior of people 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,” said Eleazar.

“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,” he added. (SunStar Philippines)

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