(Eagle News) — The National Capital Region Police Office has downgraded the full alert status declared in Metro Manila following the Jolo, Sulu twin blasts that killed at least 23 people.
In a statement, NCRPO head Guillermo Eleazar said the downgrading to a heightened status was effective today, Feb. 7.
Eleazar made the announcement a day after Philippine National Police spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said the Jolo blasts case was “solved” following the identification of those behind the attack, the surrender of five of the suspects, including alias Kammah, and the filing of charges against them.
Banac said, however, that the case was still not closed as several suspects remain at large.
“The difference between the two status levels is really minimal. There may be less checkpoint frequencies but the mobilization of our police personnel and resources in the metropolis continues. Our intelligence plans, strategies and efforts to detect terrorist personalities continue,” Eleazar said.
Eleazar noted that despite the Jolo blasts case being solved, Metro Manila “is still the center of commerce and trade, the home of practically all government institutions departments and agencies, and is always a possible target of terrorists.”
“That is why your police force has to be alert and vigilant twenty four seven,” he said.
Eleazar also urged the public to “be alert and vigilant” and to “report to the nearest barangay or policeman any suspicious people or behavior of people in their neighborhood.”
“Public safety, peace and order are always a joint responsibility of the community and the police. Without community support and participation, the police will not be as strong,” he said.
