Metro Manila on full alert after truce with communists ends

MANILA, Philippines -  The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has been placed on full alert days after President Duterte terminated the government’s ceasefire with the rebel group New People’s Army (NPA).

 “We are on full alert status. The threat alert status in Metro Manila is still high, so we maintain the high security threat level within Metro Manila,” NCRPO director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde said yesterday.

Albayalde’s statement came after Duterte lifted the government’s ceasefire with communist rebels following attacks that left three soldiers dead last week.

“I ask the soldiers, go back to your camps, clean your rifles, and be ready to fight,” Duterte said.

With the president’s pronouncements, Albayalde ordered all district directors in Metro Manila to intensify police visibility and to beef up security in their area of responsibility as the metropolis might be the rebel group’s next target.

Albayalde also told The STAR that they will set up more police checkpoints at all entry and exit points in Metro Manila in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard and with the police Maritime Group.

He said they are doing their best to prevent improvised explosive devices from being smuggled into the metropolis, particularly through “ro-ro” ships from Mindanao.

“We are preparing our men for the possibility that the rebel group will retaliate against the government,” Albayalde told The STAR.

At least 30 people were hurt when two bombs exploded during a festival in Hilongos, Leyte and 14 were killed when a bomb exploded at a night market in Davao City last year.

Albayalde clarified that Metro Manila’s police force has been on full alert since the Davao City bombing and that lawmen have foiled a bombing along Roxas Boulevard.

He said he is imposing a “no day off, no absent” policy for the NCRPO.