Aquino, Metro Manila under terrorist threat 

MANILA – Planned terrorist strikes in Metro Manila before the end of 2010 has prompted authorities to move under the public eye to catch at least five men linked to Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) with the mission to carry out bomb attacks in the metropolis

Another report stated that the security of President Benigno S. Aquino III has also been beefed up due to terrorist threats.

Amidst the threats,  Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo assured the public of its continuing vigilance against terrorist attacks, particularly in Metro Manila, as its spokesman confirmed the existence of bomb plots.

The Armed Forces has created Task Force Code-One to protect Aquino from a possible terrorist attack. It will coordinate government agencies, including the military, for the protection and security of Mr. Aquino ‘’against terrorist attacks and sabotage operations.’’

Acting Manila Police District director, Chief Supt. Roberto Rongavilla, said the possibility of sudden attacks and sabotage operations by the terrorists cannot be discounted.

Sources from the Manila Police District (MPD) reported that they were ‘’certain’’ that at least five Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Special Operations Group (MILF-SOG) members linked to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and the JI are now in Metro Manila to plant seeds of terror.

But as government agents sleuth for the five suspected terrorist bombers, authorities claim to have intensified police visibility in much populated areas in Metro Manila.

In Manila, the Manila Police District (MPD) has been keeping a tight watch on the Light Railway Transit (LRT) – Line 1 as it was a target of terrorists on Dec. 30, 2000.

The bombing killed at least 20 people and wounded scores of other civilians.

Senior Superintendent Ernesto Fojas, MPD District Intelligence and Investigation Division (MPD-DIID) chief, issued recently a memorandum order for all Manila policemen to be vigilant and conduct inspections at the different LRT-1 Stations.

‘’In this regard, maximize police visibility patrols, be vigilant particularly on stations of LRT within AOR (area of responsibility), and coordinate with the barangay officials regarding new personalities / suspicious personalities in their barangay within respective area of responsibility,’’ the October 11 memo stated.