Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa admitted there is a serious security threat to the Black Nazarene feast on Monday.
In a press briefing on Friday, he said ISIS-inspired terror groups in Mindanao could possibly retaliate after government troops killed the leader of terror group Ansar Al-Khilafa in an encounter in Sarangani on Thursday.
Authorities are 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,” Dela Rosa said.
The Armed Forces crippled the Maute group after days of gun battle in Butig, Lanao del Sur last November.
The PNP chief said they are addressing security threats to the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
He added all forces of the Metro Manlia 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: No clear terror threat
National Capital Region Police Office Chief Director Oscar Albayalde told CNN Philippines Saturday there is no clear terror threat to the Traslacion. But he adds 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.
He added they are very much prepared for the event. They have started to deploy a part of the police force on Saturday and will deploy the full personnel on Sunday.
Albayalde reminded the participants to avoid bringing bags, especially backpacks, during the procession.
Authorities are expecting about 18 million devotees to participate in the event.
Security consultant Martin Aguda, Jr. advised the public to be extra vigilant during the procession. He added devotees should immediately alert authorities of suspicious items.
