NCRPO on alert after deadly Jolo blasts –Sinas

The National Capital Region Police Office was on alert following the deadly blasts in Jolo, NCRPO chief Police Major General Debold Sinas said during a  Tuesday press briefing.

Sinas added that the Metro Manila police were monitoring whether anyone possibly involved in the Jolo attack arrived in the capital region. He admitted that police were alarmed over the large number of casualties from the bombings.

"We have alerted our people, we have alerted the different district offices on the bombing incident and to monitor sa lugar kung meron bang galing sa Jolo na pumunta rito sa atin," Sinas said.

"We have also directed our intel community and our chief intel to coordinate with their counterparts in case may manggagaling sa Mindanao na pumasok dito," Sinas added.

The NCRPO chief also said that police officers were patroling establishments such as malls, supermarkets, plazas, train stations, and terminals.

The NCRPO was also constantly coordinating with law enforcers in the Mindanao region.

The seven soldiers, six civilians, and a police officer were killed in the Jolo blasts, with more than 70 victims injured.

According to Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brigadier General William Gonzales, the first explosion could have also been triggered by a suicide bomber, just like the second blast.

Investigators have yet to identify the bombers.

The attack prompted Philippine Army chief Cirilito Sobejana to recommend that Sulu province be placed under martial law.  — DVM, GMA News