Erap downplays Maute terror threat

Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has downplayed reports circulating on social media that the Islamic State-inspired Maute terrorist group was planning to stage bombings in Quiapo and other parts of the metropolis.

Estrada called on the public not to spread unverified information on the Internet.

“The likelihood of an imminent terror threat in the city of Manila is minimal. So there’s nothing to worry about,” he said.

Last week, a copy of a supposed confidential memorandum alerting police units on the alleged plans of the Maute group to conduct terror attacks in Metro Manila circulated on Facebook.

The one-page memorandum dated June 16 and allegedly signed by Chief Inspector Jowilouie Bilaro, head of the Valenzuela City police station intelligence branch, directed Police Community Precinct commanders to implement security measures.

Bilaro was relieved from his post on Tuesday pending investigation on the leakage of the memorandum.

“The information is being validated. It’s a directive for all Philippine National Police personnel to be on alert and to conduct intelligence operations to verify if there is really a terror threat,” Chief Superintendent Joel Coronel, Manila Police District director, said.

On orders of Estrada, Coronel placed the local police force on full alert to thwart possible terror attacks.

“We are conducting round the clock checkpoint operations, mobile and foot patrols in different areas in the city,” Coronel said.

He urged netizens to refrain from posting unverified information about terror threats on social media so as not to cause panic among the people.

“We are asking the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious individuals or activities to police,” Coronel said.

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