NAIA, MPD terror alert up

MANILA, Philippines - Amid a series of attacks by the Islamic State-inspired Maute terror group in Marawi City that prompted President Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao, authorities yesterday placed the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and the city of Manila on full alert.

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assured the public that international and domestic terminals at the NAIA are sufficiently secured.

“We will implement stricter security measures at the airport,” MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said.

Monreal ordered the deployment of additional policemen and bomb-sniffing dogs at the NAIA.

Transportation Undersecretary for aviation and airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo said security measures at airports nationwide are in place.

Airport officials gave the assurance amid continuing clashes between government forces and the Maute group in Marawi City.

Checkpoints, police patrols

Mayor Joseph Estrada ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) to put up checkpoints and increase patrols around Malacañang and other government installations in the city, which could be targeted by the Maute group.

Estrada appealed to the public to remain calm but vigilant.

“To Manileños, rest assured that our law enforcement units are on guard to protect the city,” he said.

Estrada directed MPD director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel to use all available assets to maintain peace and order in the city.

Coronel said he ordered police to conduct security checkpoints as well as foot and mobile patrols around the clock.

“We are on full alert to prevent a possible spillover of the attacks in Marawi City,” he said.

Coronel said anti-riot policemen were deployed to the United States embassy along Roxas Boulevard and the Supreme Court to counter possible mass actions by militant groups.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, who heads the National Capital Region Peace and Order Council (NCR-POC), ordered heightened security in Metro Manila amid the declaration by President Duterte of martial law in Mindanao.

Bautista directed security forces to strengthen efforts to thwart any attempt by the Maute group to sow terror in the metropolis.

“As NCR-POC head, I’m directing you to intensify security efforts in Metro Manila to stop crimes and terror acts,” he said.

Bautista ordered the activation of police checkpoints and mobile patrols to ensure the safety of the public.

Makati Mayor Abigal Binay urged city residents to remain calm and vigilant amid the conflict in Marawi City. 

Binay ordered the Makati police to step up security in public places.

Officials of the Muslim community in Manila appealed to President Duterte to be fair in implementing martial law.

“We support the declaration of martial law in Mindanao. But authorities should be fair in implementing it,” Assad Mimbandas, councilman of Barangay 384, Zone 39 in Quiapo, said. – Rudy Santos, Jose Rodel Clapano, Romina Cabrera, Robertzon Ramirez, Ghio Ong