Metro on alert for terror spillover

MANILA, Philippines — Security in Metro Manila has been tightened on the possibility of terror attacks by sympathizers and followers of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute group.

“We are also doing target hardening. The threat is moderate in Metro Manila, moderate meaning no clear and present danger,” National Capital Region Police Office chief Director Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde said they are monitoring the movements of known individuals and groups in Metro Manila that have ties with the Mautes still holding out in Marawi.

He doubted the presence of IS terror cells in Metro Manila but admitted there could be sympathizers and supporters.?

Albayalde said the government is busy with security preparations for the upcoming
 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings.?

“With the government in the thick of preparations for the ASEAN summit next month, it would be very difficult for the terrorists to launch attacks as they would be easily identified and caught,” he said.

?Albayalde, however, admitted the possibility of terror attacks.

“There always is but there has been tight security especially with the ASEAN meeting,” he said.

Local officials in Metro Manila led by Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista also warned of a possible spillover of terrorism in the metropolis following the liberation of Marawi City from Islamic militants.

Bautista, head of the National Capital Region Peace and Order Council, said the threat is “serious” and called on the public to be more vigilant against possible retaliatory attacks by followers of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Omarkhayam Maute, key leaders of the Maute group in Marawi killed by government troops last Monday.

Bautista said he is “sounding the alarm” that communities should join the anti-terrorism campaign and report any suspicious movements to the authorities.

Bautista stressed getting the key players off the game does not mean the end of terrorism.

“Even if they are gone, there is still the threat of terrorism. We must prepare our security forces and our citizens. We want our people to be vigilant. This is not the time to be complacent,” he said.

Bautista said he is not instilling fear in the citizenry but rather warning of the possibility of terror attacks in Metro Manila.

“It will and might happen anytime soon,” he said.

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered its chief of police to intensify intelligence gathering against possible terror attacks in the city.

The 4,600-strong Manila Police District (MPD) remained on full alert status following the killing of Hapilon and Maute in Marawi on Monday.

MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel said the city police force remains on full alert status to avert possible retaliatory attacks by Maute sympathizers and supporters in Metro Manila.

“We are on the lookout of course and we’ve been regularly receiving updates from our intelligence agencies. So far, there are no reports of immediate and imminent threat relating to the Marawi siege,” Coronel said. – Romina Cabrera, Jose Rodel Clapano, Roel Pareño