Metro braces for terrorist attacks

Metro Manila mayors have placed the National Capital Region under a "state of preparedness" in response to ongoing hostilities in Mindanao.

Jejomar Binay, chair of the Metro Manila Development Authority, disclosed yesterday, after the Metro Manila Council's (MMC) meeting, that all the cities and municipalities in Metro Manila have beefed up their security to address the threat of terrorist attacks. The MMC is composed of all the mayors of Metro Manila.

He explained that the growing hostilities in the southern part of the country between the Muslim extremist group Abu Sayyaf and the military have prompted the heads of the local government units to prepare for possible terrorist attacks in their respective areas of jurisdiction.

National Capital Region Police Office director Chief Superintendent Edgardo Aglipay in the same meeting alerted members of the Philippine National Police on the possibility of terrorist attacks.

The MMC and police said public buildings, oil depots, malls, bus stations and schools are critical areas that will be closely monitored.

Special attention will also be given to the Muslim communities in Metro Manila as the most likely point of origin of the possible attacks.

Southern Police District chief Manuel Cabigon cited three specific Muslim communities in the metropolis with the greatest number of members namely the Maharlika Village in Taguig, Pasay and Quiapo.

He has directed the SPD members to be on the lookout for suspicious persons particularly unfamiliar faces showing up in Muslim communities.

Cabigon also warned of unattended packages which may contain explosive devices used by terrorists.

The mayors have committed to reinforce security personnel assigned to city and municipal halls.

Pasay City Mayor Wenceslao Trinidad said that terrorist attacks on city halls are not uncommon. He cited an incident in 1981 when the leftist New People's Army bombed the Pasay City Hall damaging part of the building.

"This is just a precaution in case there are individuals who might think of committing some criminal acts," Binay said while adding that the preparations are being done "in light of what is happening in Mindanao."

Binay also disclosed the commitment of a number of mayors to give financial assistance to affected communities in the ARMM.

The aid will be centered on evacuation centers in the ARMM where displaced families are billeted.

Makati City and Pasig City have pledged a total of P250,000 and P100,000 respectively for evacuees in Mindanao.

The funds will be used to procure food, medicine and other basic needs of the evacuees.