PNP: No reason to raise alert level

From GMA News (Nov 24): PNP: No reason to raise alert level

The Philippine National Police said Tuesday it sees no reason to raise the alert level in the country in connection with the increasing activity of jihadists group Islamic State.

"Sa assessment natin, wala namang reason para itaas ang alert level," PNP spokesperson Chief Superintendent Wilben Mayor told radio dzBB in an interview.

Mayor was reacting to the US State Department's issuance of a global alert to its citizens amid the recent deadly terrorist attacks in France and Mali.

He also clarified that the PNP has gone back to "normal alert" status after the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit held in the country last week.

In the radio interview, Mayor also denied reports of the supposed presence of three Abu Sayyaf Group members in Metro Manila.

He said that amid the increasing number of terror attacks in other countries, Filipinos should be more watchful of their surroundings.

"Siguro ang mas maganda, tayo ngayon sa mga ganitong panahon, dahil malapit na ang Kapaskuhan, maganda siguro mag-cooperate tayo sa kapulisan... Security is everybody's responsibility," he said.

Mayor added that people should immediately report to the police if they spot suspicous packages or bags in public places, including malls and public transport terminals.

Meanwhile, he said that regular security measures are in place, including regular patrol operations in malls and other places of public convergence.

"Sa mga areas na maraming mga tayo na nagpupuntahan, definitely kapag mga ganitong panahon,  nagde-deploy tayo ng maraming pulis. Sa malls, mayroon tayong patrol na mobile," he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday also assured the public that it has not received any terrorist threats in the country.

It, however, asked the public to be vigilant.

The military had earlier said it sees no reason to raise its alert level to red—the highest in its three-tiered alert level—despite the threats of terrorism in other countries.

According to Armed Forces spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla, there is no existing terror threat in the country, although he advised the public to remain vigilant and report to authorities suspicious situations and persons.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/545599/news/nation/pnp-no-reason-to-raise-alert-level