PNP goes on alert for All Saints' weekend

MANILA, Philippines - Even as its top officials inspected terminals, ports and cemeteries, the Philippine National Police (PNP) went on alert Thursday in preparation for the All Saints' weekend. In an interview with reporters, PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and other police units in Mindanao remain on full alert. The PNP's Special Action Force has also been placed on full alert throughout the All Saints' weekend, the official added. All other police units nationwide have been placed on heightened alert. "Heightened ang alert status natin for other regions outside of Mindanao which is still on full alert. The Special Action Force na full alert, pati na rin ang NCR nasa full alert. All other regions nasa heightened alert (We are on heightened alert status in other regions outside of Mindanao which remains on full alert. Our Special Action Force also remains on full alert, as well as the NCRPO. All other regions are on heightened alert)," Bartolome said. PNP chief Director-General Jesus Verzosa earlier personally led inspections at bus terminals and cemeteries in Metro Manila, including those in Quezon City and Pasay City, along with the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) line. The PNP and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) also announced they will team up to ensure a peaceful observation of All Saints' Day. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen reported that the MMDA will deploy 98 motorcycle units and 16 mobile vehicles, and will continue to enforce the number coding during the All Saints weekend. PNP highway patrol head Chief Superintendent Perfecto Palad will deploy 1,500 personnel to ensure orderly traffic. For his part, Metro Manila police chief Director Jefferson Soriano said 3,500 uniformed personnel will be deployed in Metro Manila during the All Saints' weekend. "Nakaalerto ang RSAU natin, yan ang tutugon kung meron tayong problema sa terorista (Our Regional Special Action Unit will be on alert to respond to terrorist threats)," Soriano said in an interview on dzBB radio. Soriano said the arrangements are aside from the 7,000 police, military and Coast Guard personnel still securing delegates to the Global Forum on Migration and Development. "We have some ministers who decided to stay here," he said, adding they are also securing those who are leaving Manila for their home countries. - GMANews.TV