PNP: No bomb plot in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police on Sunday reiterated that despite the recent arrest in Quezon City of three individuals linked to a terrorist group, no bomb plot has been discovered in Metro Manila.

"Wala kaming natatanggap na report ukol sa terrorist bomb plot," PNP spokesperson Sr. Supt. Wilben Mayor told GMA News Online in a phone interview.

However, he added, "PNP continues to gather police intelligence report [on this matter]."

The US Embassy in Manila warned its citizens against a possible bomb plot after the arrests were made.

The suspects, who were nabbed in Quezon City last week, have been linked to terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and were implicated in the bombing of the Awang airport in Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao some 11 years ago.

For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang said that the military is taking the situation seriously.

"We take it seriously, especially may naaresto na tayong tatlong suspek. Inaalam natin 'yung extent and duration, may plano ba talaga sila. We need to get down to the details," he told reporters in a chance interview in Sulu.

Mayor said that law enforcement officers are ready for any situation that may arise.

He added that recent bomb threats made against schools in Metro Manila were the work of people who were "exploiting the situation."

Last week, classes were suspended in Miriam College in Quezon City and San Beda in Manila due to separate bomb threats.

"We remain cautious against bomb threats," he said. — BM, GMA News