Over 350 cops to be deployed to secure Ramadan in Metro Manila

Over 350 cops are set to be deployed to secure mosques and Muslim communities across Metro Manila during the observance of Ramadan on Thursday, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said Wednesday.

At a press briefing, NCRPO spokesperson Police Major Hazel Asilo said that no specific threats have been monitored so far in connection with the occasion.

“For the Ramadan para po bukas, meron tayong deployed na 354 sa 103 na mga mosques natin and also doon sa 74 na Islam communities dito sa buong Metro Manila,” Asilo said.

(For Ramadan starting tomorrow, we have deployed 354 in our 103 mosques and also in 74 Islamic communities here throughout Metro Manila.)

Earlier, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is intensifying security measures as Muslims and Christians across the country prepare for Ramadan and Lent, respectively.

“Police visibility and community engagement are our priority. We are deploying a sufficient number of personnel, including our Salaam Police Center units, to mosques and churches nationwide,” PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

“Our goal in the PNP is to ensure that all our kababayan will be able to pray and reflect without any safety and security concerns. We are implementing real-time security adjustments and coordinating with local religious leaders to manage the crowds and prevent any opportunistic crimes,” he added.

A nationwide security plan has been activated covering major transport hubs, places of worship, and popular tourist spots.

Round-the-clock police assistance desks will be set up near major cathedrals and mosques, according to the PNP. —VAL, GMA Integrated News