‘No threat in NCR’

MANILA, Philippines - The situation in Metro Manila is “normal” despite the heightened security arrangements ordered by the National Capital Region Peace and Order Council (NCR-POC) following the series of attacks in Marawi City, an official said yesterday.

Quezon City Mayor Herbert Bautista, NCR-POC chair, said the council has not monitored any looming threat and law enforcement agencies are in continuous close coordination to ensure security in the region.

“The situation in Manila is normal. Our law enforcement agencies are closely coordinating to ensure security arrangements are in place. We are all supportive of the efforts initiated by the security sector,” he said in a text message. 

Members of the peace and order council met on Wednesday to discuss the situation in the capital region following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao by President Duterte. 

Following the heightened alert, Bautista urged the public to be vigilant and report to authorities any suspicious activities that may disrupt the peace and security situation in the region.

On the other hand, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada said yesterday the city is safe from international terror group ISIS “as far as I’m concerned.”

He said he is not sure if ISIS members have entered the country, but that he has ordered Manila Police District (MPD) director Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel to utilize all the city police’s assets in protecting the city.

In an interview, Coronel said they have not received any “actual and direct threat which will constitute a clear and present danger to the security of Manila.”

Estrada said the 4,600-strong MPD is ready to repel any terrorist attack.