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MILITARY'S ALERT LEVEL DOWNGRADED

Police in Metro Manila still on full alert —NCRPO chief


The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said all its units in Metro Manila remained on full alert.

NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde made the statement after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) downgraded its alert level for Metro Manila from red to blue.

Military spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo, who made the announcement, could not immediately provide the reason behind the downgrading of the alert level in the metro.

"I wasn't told about the reason. I just got the message through SMS," he said.

He added: "I surmise this follows from the directive that area commanders may downgrade or upgrade the alert status depending on their assessment on the prevailing situation on the ground."

Albayalde said all policemen, even those who were supposed to be on leave and on vacation, were ordered to report on duty because of the full alert status. Policemen's days off have also been canceled.

He said residents of Metro Manila should expect heavier presence of policemen in public places and stricter checkpoints.

"Ang matataong lugar, tulad ng Divisoria, makikita po natin na meron pa pong SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) units ng Manila Police District na nakatalaga diyan," Albayalde told radio dzBB.

He also cited an increase in police visibility patrols by the Quezon City Police District.

Albayalde also said that in the coming days, military men will augment the police's security in the capital region.

He said they are now securing vital installations in Metro Manila, including bus terminals, airports and seaports.

The NCRPO chief, meanwhile, clarified that they have not receive any intelligence report of possible terror threats on Metro Manila.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Saturday said that major cities are potential targets of the group behind the Davao City blast bombing that killed 14 people and at least 60 others.

Interior Secretary Ismael "Mike" Sueno also made a similar statement on Sunday, urging people in major cities, including those in Metro Manila, to be careful and watchful especially when in public places. —ALG, GMA News