Nartatez orders increased police visibility as cops probe into bomb threats
photo: PNP
Police Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., acting chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all police commanders, especially in urban areas, to increase police visibility and other pro-active response areas of convergence across the country amid cases of bomb threats particularly targeting schools.
Nartatez said the PNP is taking decisive steps to strengthen security operations like bolstering visibility in learning institutions and other busy areas to reassure the public and deter individuals seeking to sow fear.
A wave of bomb threats hit schools and communities across the country, prompting forced evacuations as well as class suspensions.
On Nov. 17, eight schools in Iloilo and another school in Digos City, Davao Del Sur were targeted. Over the weekend, a village in Ormoc City, Leyte also received a similar threat.
"I already instructed police units to make their presence more felt on the ground, particularly in places of convergence, to reassure the public of our readiness to respond and protect them from individuals seeking to sow fear,” said Nartatez.
Nartatez also ordered a thorough investigation into the string of incidents.
Despite these disruptions, Nartatez assured the public that police units nationwide remain fully prepared to respond to any threat.
He urged communities to stay vigilant and immediately report suspicious activities or messages to authorities.