PNP sees no spillover of Jolo bombing to Metro
Anthony Vargas
MANILA, Philippines – The National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday allayed fears that the Christmas Day bombing in Jolo, Sulu would be replicated in Metro Manila.
“We don’t see a spillover of what happened in Jolo as there are no indications of attack . . . both the police and military have similar assessments,” NCRPO Director Nicanor Bartolome told reporters in a chance interview.
Nevertheless, the NCRPO, which has remained on heightened alert since last month, intensified security measures at transport terminals, malls, commercial establishment and similar places.
The increased security came two days ahead of the 10th anniversary of the Rizal Day bombing in which 26 people were killed and scores of others injured when Islamist militants bombed two commuter trains in Manila.
On Christmas Day, at least 11 persons, including a priest, were wounded when an improvised explosive device went off in a church inside Camp Asturias, the police headquarters in Jolo.
Police acknowledged receiving information that at least six members of the Abu Sayyaf group (ASG) were planning to carry out bombings in Sulu and that the church was among the targets.
Following the church bombing, the PNP Directorate for Operations (DO) under Chief Superintendent Josefino Cataluña ordered increased police visibility and deterrent patrols in malls, churches, entertainment centers, transport terminals, markets, and theme parks.
http://dateline.ph/2010/12/28/pnp-sees-no-spillover-of-jolo-bombing-to-metro/
