‘True Islam for peace’

There is no security threat against Metro Manila. This was stressed by National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Guillermo Eleazar yesterday following the recent bombing attacks in the Mindanao region.

Eleazar appealed to the public to remain calm and vigilant as the police force has heightened the security in and around the metropolis.

“While we have not received any reliable or confirmed threats here in Metro Manila, we already are conducting checkpoints to assure the public that the police is active and on high alert,” Eleazar said.

“We are also calling on the public to remain vigilant,” he added.

Security was tightened around churches in Metro Manila after the Jolo cathedral was bombed recently, resulting in the deaths of at least 22 people.

For the coming Chinese New Year festivities in Manila, Eleazar said they already met to map out their security coverage as 5,000 personnel from the Manila Police District will be in areas where most people will gather.

“These inspections are precautionary and preventive measures that we are doing in light of recent events,” said Eleazar. “But the public should remain calm and vigilant.”

Eleazar added they are monitoring convergence points, vital installations, transportation hubs and malls. He had also met with members of the Muslim community in Quiapo last Friday for a prayer rally.

“The Muslim community in Quiapo promised to cooperate with the Philippine National Police and reiterated to authorities that true Islam is for peace,” Eleazar said.

The NCRPO chief added a unity prayer walk has been scheduled today to call for cooperation to achieve security.

“We would not let local or foreign terror groups disrupt the peace with the Muslim community here,” Eleazar said, although he clarified that they are not monitoring Indonesians after Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said Indonesian suicide bombers were responsible for the Jolo blasts.