By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday dismissed social media claims of a possible mob attack on Malacañang during the country’s Independence Day celebrations on June 12, saying no validated intelligence supports such reports.
“We have received no validated intelligence regarding any such threats on Independence Day, but we reassure the public that the PNP remains ready and vigilant and fully deployed to ensure the safety and security of all Independence Day celebrations across the country,” PNP spokesperson Col. Allen Rae Co said at a press briefing in Camp Crame.
Co, however, confirmed that Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla met with the PNP’s top leadership, regional directors and directorial staff earlier in the day, but quickly added that it was “part of his (Remulla’s) oversight functions and mandate over the PNP.”
“It’s normal and routine exercise of the Secretary’s authority over the PNP to set direction, align priorities as well as ensure all the programs and the operations of the PNP are consistent with the administration’s peace and order agenda,” he said.
Co said discussions during the meeting focused on security preparations for the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA), Senate security and the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) “Safer Cities” initiative.
He added that the PNP’s intelligence and counterterrorism units continuously monitor and assess potential threats before, during and after major national events, including Independence Day celebrations.
Co said contingency measures and deployment plans are already in place for key installations, including Malacañang.
“We already have operational plans for deployment. We already have them in place,” the PNP spokesperson said.
Co urged the public to verify information before sharing it online and warned against the spread of unverified reports that could cause unnecessary alarm.
Asked whether the PNP would raise its alert status for Independence Day, Co said heightened readiness is standard procedure during major national events.
DILG warning
Meanwhile, in an advisory, the DILG warned the public against letters and electronic messages allegedly using the department’s logo and that of the National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO), as well as a purportedly fake email account.
DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Marlo Iringan said several local government offices had received communications bearing the DILG and NBOO logos, while some emails originated from unofficial accounts, including one identified as “DILG Main office govt” using the address “[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]).”
“Please be reminded that the NBOO or DILG, does not authorize, recognize or tolerate the use of its name, logo, office identity, or official-looking stationery letterhead for any unauthorized transactions, requests for personal information or communications that bypass official DILG channels,” the advisory, dated June 4, read.
“Barangay officials are likewise reminded that requests involving personal information contained in barangay records must be handled only upon lawful basis, proper authority, and appropriate verification, consistent with applicable laws, rules, and regulations,” it added.
The DILG warned that unauthorized use, misrepresentation, or fraudulent activities involving the department or the NBOO may result in administrative, civil, and criminal charges under existing laws.
The agency also urged local officials and the public to immediately report similar incidents for proper documentation and appropriate action. (PNA)
