At least 5,000 cops will secure Metro Manila during Holy Week as the National Capital Region Police Office remains on full alert amid reports that at least 313 local ISIS-inspired bandits have slipped out of Marawi City and have started to regroup.
“That’s the main reason why we are not lowering our full alert status in Metro Manila. We never downgraded our alert status [in the capital] unlike in other regions,” NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde said.
“We do not want any incident of terrorism in Metro Manila,” he added.
Albayalde cited the arrest of alleged Maute Group sub-leader Abdul Nasser Lomondot in Divisoria, Manila over the weekend.
“This arrest shows our pro-active stance. We cannot be reactive,” he said.
Lomondot, who reportedly arrived in Manila in January, is also accused of being involved in the attack against a Civilian Auxiliary Detachment in Lanao del Sur during the Marawi siege.
Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa earlier claimed Lomondot came to Manila to seek refuge and not to launch terror attacks.
Albayalde said the NCRPO is monitoring areas where terrorists may be hiding in the capital.