PNP ready to provide security in aftermath of Sabah row

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police is ready to provide security against the possible repercussions of the standoff in Sabah that ended Friday when Malaysian forces attacked the “royal army”of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram that was reclaiming his territory.

“Kung magkakaron ng possible effect sa peace and order condition ng bansa natin, nakahanda naman ang PNP,” Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr. said, noting that it is the agency’s mandate.

Cerbo said, however, the PNP has not monitored an escalation of tension among the Muslims after the Malaysian ambassador to the Philippines reported to the Department of Foreign Affairs that the assault in Lahad Datu resulted in the death of three people and injuries to about 10.

He said the alert status in Luzon and Visayas remained normal, except for Mindanao which has been under full alert.

“We leave it up to concerned regional directors to decide whether their alert status should be raised,” he said.

Meanwhile, should the Kiram family request for additional security within the vicinity of their residence in Taguig City, Cerbo said PNP was ready to deploy its men.