A full alert was raised at the Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao after the bombing incident in Basilan on Tuesday morning that killed 11 people.
Authorities also enforced the security at the four terminals of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport following the bombing incident in Lamitan, Basilan.
“We advise the public to just go through the usual airport procedures without minding these enhancements. What we are doing is not intended to alarm them,” said Manila International Airport Authority general manager Eddie Monreal.
In a statement, PRO ARMM Regional Director Graciano Mijares said additional checkpoints will be established, existing checkpoints will be strengthened and additional personnel will be deployed on foot and aboard mobile patrols in the highly populated areas.
In other developments:
• President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday ordered the military to intensify its search-and-destroy operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group following the bomb attack in Basilan.
• An international security analyst on Wednesday attributed to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria the bombing at a military checkpoint in Lamitan.
International security analyst Rommel Banlaoi claimed the “suicide” bombing was done by a Moroccan national, according to a report by Allan Gatus on Dobol B sa News TV.
The police force will coordinate with private security providers and security managers to establish joint security protocols while the intelligence monitoring and sharing of information will be intensified.
Mijares also said a special investigation task group will be activated to look into the bombing incident in which 11 were killed including the driver of the van.
“We are in deep sadness at this moment. This incident is an act to ruin the recent ratification and enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law that will pave way for achieving lasting peace in Muslim Mindanao,” he said.
“We are appealing to the public to be extra vigilant and alert at this time and to report any information that might help solve the case.”
Meanwhile, Northern Mindanao Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Timoteo Pacleb also ordered all PNP units to strengthen security and step up target hardening measures across the region.
