No heightened alert over bomb plot

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police went on heightened alert because of President Aquino’s trip to Indonesia and not due to a supposed bomb plot in Metro Manila, Malacañang clarified yesterday.

Aquino returned Friday night from Indonesia, where he attended the 7th Bali Democracy Forum, which he co-chaired with outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono. He left Manila Thursday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said over dzRB the heightened alert has nothing to do with the security message issued by the United States.

“The PNP has a protocol as to when to lift the heightened alert, because the heightened alert is a standard operating procedure from the PNP whenever the head of state goes out of the country,” Valte said.

She said the PNP cited no other reason for the security alert.

The embassies of the US and Australia earlier advised their citizens to take precautions due to a supposed bomb plot in Metro Manila.

The embassy cited Oct. 8 media reports that three men “known to have links to terrorist organizations” were arrested in Quezon City and reminded US citizens to remain vigilant and maintain an appropriate level of personal security in all circumstances by reviewing personal security plans.

On Friday, Australia advised its citizens in the Philippines to take precautions against possible bomb attacks.

In an update to its travel advice on the Philippines, the Australian embassy said the supposed bomb plot had targets in Metro Manila.

The embassy reiterated its advice to its nationals not to travel to central and western Mindanao, including the Zamboanga Peninsula and Sulu archipelago, “due to the very high threat of terrorist attack, kidnapping, violent crime and violent clashes between armed groups.”

It also advised its nationals “to reconsider your need to travel to eastern Mindanao.”