No threat to Metro Manila, says Malacañang

The possible security threat in Davao City will not spill over to Metro Manila, Malacañang assured Monday.

 

At a press briefing, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said military intelligence reports indicated that the alleged threat was "specifically directed" at Davao City.

 

"The information we have is that it [the alleged threat] is limited to Davao City," Lacierda said.

 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is "validating the threat" and is taking a "proactive stance" on the matter, he added.

 

Lacierda said that AFP Eastern Mindanao Command had been on alert even before President Benigno Aquino III called up Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte about the threat.

 

The President's spokesman also ruled out any possibility that the threat in Davao City was connected with a destabilization plot against the administration.

 

On Friday, Davao City security officials were placed on heightened alert after Duterte said he received a warning from Aquino of a supposed threat in the area. 

 

The threat alert in Davao City came days after the reported escape of alleged bomb-making terrorist Abdel Basit Usman from authorities during a raid on a guerrilla camp.

 

Interior Secretary Mar Roxas meanwhile said that Davao City's preparations after the terror alert are sufficient, but still asked the public to take the threat seriously. —NB, GMA News