Basilan blast triggers heightened MM alert

AUTHORITIES placed the entire Metro Manila under heightened alert following Tueday’s car bomb explosion in Basilan that killed 10 people.

National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Chief Supt. Guillermo Eleazar that while there is no imminent terrorist threat in the metropolis he ordered a heightened alert status to ensure public safety.

“We have not received intelligence reports that there is an imminent threat here, but it’s good to be always prepared for any incidents,” said Eleazar. “We are constantly coordinating with the other agencies in the intelligence community for monitoring if there are threats here in Metro Manila.”

Eleazar said he directed all district directors, chiefs of police and station commanders to intensify crime prevention, anti-criminality efforts and the conduct checkpoint operations on a regular basis.

“With what happened in Lamitan, Basilan, Metro Manila should also be ready and vigilant, and that’s why we are upgrading our alert status so that we are ready. We don’t want a spill over here in Metro Manila,” said Eleazar in an interview.

The NCRPO chief also urged the public to be vigilant and to report any unusual activities to the authorities.

“We are encouraging the public to very vigilant so that we can maintain peace and order,” Eleazar said.

The terrorist group Islamic State claimed responsibility for the deadly blast but military officials downplayed such claim.

Military spokesman, Col. Edgard Arevalo said there is not enough evidence to support the conclusion that the Lamitan incident was a suicide bombing or that it is connected to a foreign group.

Instead, the military believes the blast was the handiwork of an Abu Sayyaf Group under Commander Puruji Indama.