(Eagle News) — Metro Manila has been placed under heightened alert following the bombing in Basilan that killed at least 11 people.
In a television interview, National Capital Region Police Office chief Guillermo Eleazar clarified, however, that this was merely standard operating procedure, and that there was no imminent threat to the metropolis.
“We would like to call (on) the community to be more vigilant to prevent other crime groups from exploiting the situation,” he said.
The bomb that exploded in Lamitan had been placed in a van.
It exploded as authorities were inspecting the vehicle in a military checkpoint.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the incident, but security authorities said this has yet to be verified.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Edgar Arevalo said what was clear was that they received information the Abu Sayyaf, which has ties with ISIS, had plans of deploying an improvised explosive device in the area.
The attack took place after the Bangsamoro Organic Law was signed by President Rodrigo Duterte, who also urged the Abu Sayyaf to talk peace instead.
