Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 22) — Police asked Muslims in Metro Manila to cooperate with authorities to prevent the entry of terrorists even as government forces try to contain the crisis in Marawi.
Even though the police have not monitored imminent security threats, National Capital Region Police Chief Oscar Albayalde, met with Muslim leaders in Taguig on Thursday as a preemptive move.
The Metro Manila police chief said no one involved in the firefight in Marawi has reportedly fled to the country’s capital. Still, he asked Muslim leaders to avoid coddling criminals.
“Gusto niyo po bang mangyari yung sa dami ng namatay sa Marawi, mangyari dito sa Metro Manila? So wag po tayong kumupkop… kung alam po natin na talagang may kasalanan ang ating kapatid, whether Muslim o Kristiyano para maiwasan natin yung pagbuwis ng buhay,” Albayalde said.
[Translation: Do you want to have a bloodbath here in Metro Manila, just like in Marawi? Do not coddle criminals, whether Muslims or Christians, to avoid unnecessary loss of lives.]
Muslim leader Atty. Dick Acraman, meanwhile, enjoined the public to report suspicious people in their area.
“We should police our own ranks. Mga lugar natin, tingnan natin ang paligid natin. Kung may kahina-hinalang mga tao na makakasira sa ating katahimikan, katahimikan sa ating paligid, mag-text ka na lang sa pulisya. At least maaksyunan kaagad,” Acraman said.
[Translation: We should check our surroundings. If there are suspicious people that disturbs the peace in the area, we should call the attention of the police.]
The Metro Manila police chief, however, asked the public to be mindful of unvalidated reports to avoid unnecessary panic.
On Monday, a police memorandum from Valenzuela Police leaked and circulated around social media, saying some parks and malls in Quezon City and Makati may be attacked by the Maute group.
On the same night, Albayalde dispelled the alleged threats, saying the police report was still subject to verification.
