Metro cops, Muslim leaders unite vs terror

Leaders of various Muslim communities in the metropolis assured police authorities that they will assist the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) in its campaign against terrorism in Metro Manila.

In a meeting with Metro police chief Deputy Director General Reynaldo Velasco, the Muslims leaders from the Quiapo Islamic Center, Barangay Culiat in Quezon City, and the Islamic community in Bicutan, Taguig pledge to support the anti-terrorism drive of the Metro Manila police.

They vowed to immediately report the sighting of new faces and suspicious-looking characters lurking in their respective communities.

They also assured Velasco that they are peace loving citizens and they are willing to assist the Metro Manila police in the maintenance of peace and order in the metropolis.

Among concerns raised during the meeting, held at the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, was the resurgence of anti-Islamic sentiments in the metropolis due to the worsening conflict in Mindanao and the intensified offensive of the military against members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Velasco called for sobriety among both Muslims and Christians citing the need for unity as Filipinos in the fight against terrorism. He pointed out that such been the call of President Arroyo when she declared war against terrorism.

"Continued vigilance and cooperation are the only weapons we can use to prevent terrorists from carrying out their plans," he pointed out stressing that the NCRPO conducts regular monthly meetings with Muslim community leaders.

Velasco assured that the NCRPO is doing everything in its capability to capture terrorists even before they strike. "We have never lowered our guard since we have been on heightened alert since Sept. 11 of last year, the anniversary of the dastardly terrorist attack in the United States,’" he said.

He added that intelligence agents of the NCRPO are constantly on the move to anticipate and thwart plots by unscrupulous elements to sow terror in the capital region.

The NCRPO has reinforced security, through the deployment of more police personnel, in government agencies, embassies, diplomatic residences, oil depots, ports, airports, bus terminals, water and electric facilities, as well as malls and other populous areas in the metropolis.

However, Velasco said the Metro Manila police force cannot always be everywhere at once and, thus, enjoined the public to report sightings of shady characters and the discovery of mysterious packages through the PNP Text 2920, Magic Eye Txt Patrol 2910, and the DILG Police Assistance Hotline 117. — Non Alquitran