Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said it raised the country’s security status to ‘full alert’ following blasts in Sultan Kudarat, South Cotabato, and Basilan.
“Nationwide ay nakafull alert po tayo para masiguro po na hindi masusundan yung mga naitala po nating pagsabog,” PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo made it clear in a public briefing.
[Translation: We are on full alert nationwide to ensure as possible there will be no more bombings following the recent blasts.]
She added that PNP Officer-in-Charge Vicente Danao, Jr. also gave instructions to implement several security measures, including increasing police visibility and presence in transportation terminals and hubs, random inspections on luggages, and deployment of bomb-sniffing dogs.
On May 26, two bombings were reported in Koronadal City, South Cotabato and in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. The PNP believes the individuals behind these explosions are affiliated with the Bangsamoro Islamic Federation Fighters.
After four days, two consecutive blasts were reported in Isabela City, Basilan. Based on CCTV footages, witnesses’ accounts, and testimonies from former members of armed groups, the PNP theorized that those who are responsible may be possibly linked to Abu Sayyaf.
“Hinihintay pa rin po natin yung official report po ng ating PNP-EOD (Explosive Ordinance Disposal) dito sa mga iba-ibang klase po ng pagpapasabog but ‘yung ating initial information na nareceive po natin ay itong mga pagsabog po na naitala sa Region 9 at Region 12 ay cellphone-triggered,” she said.
[Translation: We are still waiting for the official report from our PNP-EOD, but according to initial information we received, the blasts in Region 9 and Region 12 are cellphone-triggered.]
The improvised explosive devices used are currently in the custody of PNP’s Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO) to check its components, she added.
