Full alert status declared in all RP airports

The National Police on Friday placed its security units in all airports around the country under full alert amid fears of possible mid-air terrorist bomb attacks. Deputy Director General Avelino Razon Jr, police deputy chief for operations, told radio station dzBB that law enforcers do not need a bomb to explode before implementing stricter security. With the order, the Aviation Security Group of the Philipine National Police (PNP) was instructed to closely monitor all passengers as well as vehicles entering airport facilities. Earlier in the day, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) resumed "normal" operations but continued to impose strict security measures. NAIA General Manager Alfonso Cusi said passengers of flights to the United Sates would be more closely scrutinized. The British police on Thursday arrested 21 people in London on suspicion of hatching the plot to bomb several aircraft bound for the United States. The bombs were supposed to be smuggled through hand-carried luggage. Liquids, creams and gels except baby formulas were banned at all trans-Atlantic flights. Razon said the police has yet to receive reports of a direct terror threat against the Philippines. Hours before the PNP's order, however, police officials in Cotabato City said they were eyeing the regional extremist group Jema’ah Islamiyah (JI) as the ones behind the Thursday blasts in Mindanao. One person died and seven others were injured during the three explosions. The police claimed receiving information that the JI would carry out attacks in key cities in Mindanao. Malacañang also on Friday ordered tighter security at all government installations in the wake of the failed terror attacks in Britain. Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the move was meant to ensure the safety of innocent civilians. He appealed to the public to cooperate with security enforcers to avert potential terror threats. Ordinary citizens, he said, must report suspicious looking people or bags left unattended in crowded places.-GMANews.TV