How cities, provinces are tightening security after Davao blast

Rappler lists localities where authorities have added police patrols, set up checkpoints, and increased security measures

MANILA, Philippines – Several cities and provinces have gone on full alert in the past few days in the aftermath of an explosion at the Davao City night market that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens on September 2. Local officials and police forces in various parts of the country have responded to Proclamation Number 55 – "Declaring a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao" – which President Rodrigo Duterte signed on September 4. (READ: State of nat'l emergency: More police, military in malls, train stations) Rappler lists here the localities where authorities have added police patrols, set up checkpoints, and increased security measures. Metro Manila The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), under director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, has intensified the 24-hour monitoring of its Special Reaction Unit (SRU), which includes the SWAT, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and K-9 units. They have set up check points, that cops – augmented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines – are helping man. SRU teams are inspecting schools and informing teachers and students about managing bomb threats, and reminding them of the implications and consequences of spreading bomb jokes, according to an NCRPO press release. Covert operatives of the NCRPO are also deployed in transport terminals, while air and sea ports, business centers, churches, vital installations, and other places of convergence are also regularly inspected. The public may contact Metro Manila police through these hotlines: NCRPO 838-3203; text 0917-708-1135 or 0917-856-1040; Twitter: @ncrporeact; Facebook page: NCRPOReact Northern Police District 285-2396 / 285-2838; text 0917-847-5757 / 0905-454-2547 / 0916-558-2419 Eastern Police District 641-0171 / 641-0877; text 0915-888-8181 / 0999-901-8181 / 0917-728-3790 Manila Police District 523-1367 / 523-3378; text 0919-995-0976 / 0917-899-2092 Southern Police District 519-5525 / 519-8644; text 0908-377-0025 Quezon City Police District 925-8417 / 0917-840-3925; text 0995-645-1999 / 0919-496-7833