Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa admitted that there is a serious threat in security to the Black Nazarene feast today.
In a press briefing, Bato said that ISIS-inspired groups in Mindanao could possibly retaliate after government troops killed the leader of the terror group Ansar Al-Khalifa in a Sarangani encounter on Thursday.
The PNP is also looking at the possible presence of Maute group members in Manila.
"Hindi ko pa masabi kung andito na (Maute) But the threat is there, binabantayan natin," the PNP chief said.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) last November crippled the Maute group after days of gun battle in Butig, Lanao del Sur.
Dela Rosa said they are addressing security threats to the Feast of the Black Nazarene, adding that all forces of the Metro Manila police are deployed to secure the Traslacion. Additional forces will come from Central Luzon and Calabarzon.
Dela Rosa advised devotees to be more vigilant. "To the millions of Black Nazarene devotees, don't be afraid. God is with us, hindi tayo pababayaan," he said.
NCRPO Clarifies Threat
National Capital Region Police Officer (NCRPO) Chief Director Oscar Albayalde said there is no clear terror threat to the Traslacion, but he mentions the Metro Manila police are still maintaining the high security threat level.
"We have not received any information whatsoever that could endanger the lives of our devotees during this traslacion celebration," Albayalde said.
The chief director is confident that they are very much prepared for the event and have deployed the needed police force and personnel for the event.
Albayalde reminded the participants to avoid bringing bags, especially backpacks, during the procession.
18 million devotees are expected to participate in the event.
Security consultant Martin Aguda Jr. advised the public to be extra vigilant during the procession and that devotees should immediately alert deployed authorities immediately for any suspicious items.
Source / Image: CNN Philippines
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