PNP to remain on full alert as it keeps tabs on Mumbai, Bangkok incidents

MANILA, Philippines - Amid security problems in Mumbai and Bangkok, the Philippines National Police (PNP) on Friday said it has decided to maintain the full alert status of its units to guard against possible attacks. In a chance interview at Camp Crame, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said that while the full alert status should normally be downgraded with the arrival of the President from a foreign trip, the PNP leadership decided to keep its alert up. Bartolome, however, clarified that authorities have not monitored specific terrorist threats in Metro Manila. “Full alert pa rin tayo, tuloy pa rin kase nga merong tinitingnan tayong developments sa Mumbai at yung sa Thailand," said Bartolome. “So far we have not monitored specific threats (in Metro Manila) as of now. Nevertheless, the PNP remains on guard para hindi matuloy kung meron mang silang balakin," he added. bartolome said they have not monitored specific terrorist threat in the metropolis despite the arrest of two suspected Abu Sayyaf bombers in Taguig last week and the confirmation of the military that they are looking for others believed to be staying in Metro Manila. The military report has prompted the PNP to activate its Task Force Manila Shield on Nov 21 to protect the metropolis from possible attacks. “The activation of the Task Force Manila Shield is to ensure the peace and order in Metro Manila and not necessarily for any political reasons, it’s more on peace and order ang aming concentration," Bartolome said. - GMANews.TV