NCRPO on full alert over 'Simbang Gabi'

The National Capital Region Police Office is slated to go on red alert when churches hold the nine-day "simbang gabi" in the run-up to Christmas Day starting on Dec. 16.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras," the PNP will closely watch the  evening and dawn masses especially after the bomb attack during a Sunday mass at the Mindanao State University. "

"'Pag nag-deklara kami ng full alert, meaning n'un, all our resources are being utilized," NCRPO chief Police Major Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez said.

"For example, walang nagli-leave... just to secure and makatulog ang mga kababayan natin dito," he added.

The NCRPO will beef up its security deployment around the churches and even inside.

"Kung ito ang simbahan, nandiyan sila naka-deploy. Pinagsisimba ko na sila sa loob," Nartatez said.

The NCRPO said allayed fears that there is a threat on the security of Metro Manila.

It said the raising of the security alert status is normal to prepare the police.

The PNP has placed the NCRPO on heightened alert following the MSU bomb attack.

"Ibig sabihin 75% ng total PNP strength po natin ay expected po natin na lalabas po para ma-sustain ang police visibility and presence natin," PNP information chief Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said.

Checkpoints have been installed at the border of Metro Manila and Bulacan.  With the help of K9 teams, security at bus terminals, malls, and other crowded areas has also been intensified.

Authorities are also keeping a tight watch on places of worship, especially with the start of the traditional night mass on December 16.

"Ang mga delikadong component na nakakapinsala ay concealed po 'yan, kaya kailangan natin ng technical services lalong lalo na ng EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal ) K9 units," Police Lieutenant Colonel Paolo Abrazado, commander of Quezon City Police District Station 7, said.

(The destructive components are often concealed, that's why we need the technical services of the EOD K9 units.)

Fajardo said Metro Manila residents should not be alarmed.  She added authorities have not monitored any threat of terrorism in the capital region, but added extra vigilance is needed amid the holiday rush.

"Nothing to worry ... the PNP is on top of the situation.  We have not received any serious threat, particularly here in Metro Manila," she said. —Sundy Locus/NB, GMA Integrated News