Querol inspects vital Metro facilities

Metro police chief Director Vidal Querol inspected yesterday vital private and government installations in Metro Manila to prevent the spillover of the recent bombings in Sulu and Davao, which left at least nine people killed.

"Yes, I’m satisfied with what I saw," said Querol, adding that he placed the 15,000-strong National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on full alert to react accordingly on a given situation.

He said his inspections are also aimed at bringing home the message that the NCRPO is fully prepared to secure airports and seaports for the return of Metro Manila students to their hometowns this summer.

Querol inspected yesterday the Pier 15 in Port Area, the Pandacan oil depot and the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) and Light Rail Transit (LRT) in Manila to determine their security readiness following the spate of bombings in Jolo, Sulu and in Digos, Davao this week.

"We wanted to prevent the spillover of the bombings in Metro Manila so this early we deemed it necessary to inspect the security posture of vital private and government installations in the metropolis," Querol told The STAR.

According to Querol, checkpoint operations in strategic areas of Metro Manila would be intensified in the coming days to prevent terrorist groups and criminals from sneaking in firearms, explosives and bomb components.

Though the NCRPO are on full alert, Querol said there’s no cause for alarm.

"We are not taking any chances at all so that nothing will stand in the way of our country’s economic recovery," said the NCRPO chief.

Querol is confident that Task Force Pandacan, which is composed of elements from the Manila Police District (MPD), Regional Special Action Unit (RSAU) and the depot’s security component, are fully prepared against all forms of threats.

Late in the afternoon, Querol also inspected the bus terminals in Cubao, Caloocan City and Pasay City to determine their readiness to transport students and other commuters going home to the provinces in southern and northern Luzon as classes in all levels end this week. — Non Alquitran