Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada has assured the public that the capital city is “well protected” from security threats similar to the incident at the Resorts World Manila that left 38 people dead.
During the presentation of the 30 candidates of Miss Manila 2017 at the Manila Hotel yesterday, Estrada said although he cannot predict an attack, the 4,600-strong Manila Police District is ready to respond to any eventuality.
“Let’s just hope and pray (nothing serious happens). But rest assured Manila is well protected. Our police force is always on alert 24/7,” Estrada told reporters.
Just hours after Islamist militants besieged Marawi City on May 23, Estrada directed the local police to double its security deployment around the capital to prevent a spillover of the attack.
In response, MPD surrounded Malacañang, which is in Manila, with security checkpoints and patrols, while police units were also dispatched to major government installations and commercial districts throughout the city.
The full alert status of the MPD remained in place until today, Estrada said, especially after the Resorts World rampage of former government employee Jessie Carlos on June 2.
The city police is also finalizing a joint security cooperation with the security officers of commercial and business establishments in the city to frustrate any untoward incident like the Resorts World incident, Estrada added.
Two months ago, Estrada’s administration procured P20-million worth of brand new firearms for MPD operatives to improve the city police’s firepower against armed criminals and terrorists.
As to the Grand Coronation Night of Miss Manila 2017 beauty pageant, the Manila mayor said MPD director Chief Supt. Joel Coronel is discussing security arrangements with the pageant organizers and the security units of the Philippine International Convention Center and the Pasay City police.
The Miss Manila 2017 is the highlight of the weeklong celebration of the 446th Araw ng Maynila on June 24. The pageant was revived by Estrada in 2013 in a bid to cement Manila’s place in the world map of tourism and bring back the old glory and beauty of the capital.
The winner will become the ambassador of the city, will be involved in the city’s charitable projects, and will represent the capital in various events and functions.