Quiapo bombings not IS test runs — police

MANILA, Philippines - The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) yesterday denied reports that the series of bombings in Quiapo, Manila were part of test runs by the terrorist group Islamic State (IS).

The IS had claimed responsibility for the explosions, but police said the attacks were not connected with any terror group.

NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said the explosions were isolated cases and considered closed by the Manila Police District with the arrest of one of the suspects.

Albayalde asked for public cooperation amid the heightened security in Metro Manila, particularly in Quiapo.

Crisis management body mulled

Following the Quiapo bombings that left two persons dead and 20 others wounded, Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada is eyeing the creation of a crisis management committee that will take the lead in handling similar incidents.

With an organized crisis management body in place, Estrada said police and city hall personnel would be able to respond faster to emergencies.

He said the city government could effectively utilize its available assets under a single command and control system.

“We should have a joint task force ready to carry out in short notice all the aspects of crisis management such as police response, public information and social services as well as rescue and relief efforts,” Estrada said.

As chairman of the City Peace and Order Council, Estrada directed Johnny Yu, head of the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee, to draft the guidelines for the creation of a crisis management committee.

Yu, who proposed the idea to Estrada, underscored the importance of having a crisis management body after the Quiapo blasts and the failed bombing of the US embassy along Roxas Boulevard in November last year.

Twin explosions rocked Quiapo on May 6, leaving two persons dead and six others wounded.

Prior to this, an improvised explosive device went off in Quiapo on April 28 during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Manila. Fourteen people were wounded in the blast.

Quezon City Mayor Herbet Bautisya, for his part, urged the local police to intensify their intelligence gathering to thwart possible attacks by terrorist groups.

Bautista made the appeal after he turned over to police 12 digital facial composite sketches yesterday.