• From the Office of the Communications Secretary on terror alert level 3
• President Duterte calls for unity on ARMM summit

The heightened alert was announced by the Chief, Philippine National Police after two (2) suspects were apprehended in connection with the discovery of an unexploded bomb similar to that exploded in Davao last September.

There is no such thing as perfect security but what is more important is authorities have successfully disarmed an improvised explosive device (IED) which could have wreaked havoc on the lives of our people.

The PNP placed in Alert 3 to conform with PNP Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) which put the whole PNP in extreme alert for terrorists who might commit similar acts of planting bombs in Metro Manila. This could mean for the PNP to heighten their mobile checkpoints, increase intelligence activities and law enforcement operations.

We assure the public that there will be no disruption in their normal lives even if we have raised our security level in the same vein that there was no change in the way they live, work, or conduct business now that the country is under state of national emergency on the account of lawless violence.

“Alam mo sa totoo lang ang pinaka-structure na acceptable aside from the extremist is really federal set up,” he said.


But there are worries especially from some members of Congress about extremism in the Philippines that could undermine the administration’s plan to shift to federalism, according to the President.


He called on the Muslim people to unite and shun violence as some radical Muslims in Mindanao sow chaos in some communities.


The President reiterated his promise to step down from power once an effective federal system of government is passed. He also vowed to vigorously campaign for the adoption of federalism in the country.


Declaring martial law, as his critics have been saying, is not in his mind he said, noting the country gained nothing during the years of martial rule.


At the same time, the President expressed his interest in bringing development to the region, telling local Muslim leaders that he would prioritize pouring development fund to Mindanao particularly development aid from Japan.


He mentioned giving land to the poor Muslim population, open Jolo for trade and provide farm implements such as tractors especially once there is successful land distribution.


Attaining a lasting peace in Mindanao must be handled with great sense of urgency, he said, adding it has nothing to do with the personal alliances or loyalty because he does not need it.

“But what you should understand from me, at believe me, na gusto ko talagang mangyari ‘yung dapat mangyari and that is semblance of your territory, your governance and the happiness of the Moro people,” the President said.###PND