Metro cops tighten security in vital installations

Metro police chief Deputy Diretcor General Reynaldo Velasco has ordered intensified security measures in all vital installatons in the metropolis following the takeover of the control tower of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s (NAIA)’s Terminal II.

Velasco also said the National Capital Regional Police Office is now on heightened alert to ensure the security of all communication facilities, oil depots, transmission lines and other soft targets.

"Although the incident is an isolated case, we should enhance the security measures in all vital installations so as to preempt incidents similar to the NAIA II control tower takeover," Velasco said, even as he called on all district directors and station commanders to review the existing security measures being put in place in Metro Manila.

Velasco also directed the Metro police to further enhance its coordination with the various government agencies and barangay executives in their intelligence gathering and surveillance.

The Metro police chief added that he is in close contact with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in determining if the incident was part of a destablization plot against the present administration.

"I have been in close contact with Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita on possible troop movements, but so far we have not monitored any police or military assembly," Velasco said.

Velasco said the NCRPO through the Parañaque City police led by Superintendent Ronald Estilles is now conducting an investigation into Villaruel’s motive for seizing the airport control tower.

Police killed former Air Transportation Office (ATO) chief Panfilo Villaruel Jr. and his aide, Navy Lt. (sg) Richard Catchillar after they seized the air traffic control tower of NAIA Terminal II before dawn of Saturday.

Villaruel’s driver, Danilo Salvan, 34, who brought the suspects at the NAIA II control tower has already been questioned by the Parañaque City police.

Velasco, however, assured that the entire 17,000-strong Metro Manila police force is ready for any eventuality particularly with the destabilizaton moves brought by the impeachment case filed against Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. — Non Alquitran