THE Philippine National Police (PNP) disowned reports that it ordered all units to be on red alert because of the alleged en masse resignation at the Department of National Defense.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that there was no instruction from PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. to go on full alert after three versions of a supposed memorandum circulated on social media.
“There was no instruction for full alert status. What we can confirm is that the PNP is on heightened alert status in preparation for the Traslacion,” Fajardo said, referring to the huge procession usually done to mark the feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila.
The Catholic Church observes the feast of the Black Nazarene on January 9. However, instead of the Traslacion that is usually attended by millions of people, there will be a “Walk of Faith” this year.
A heightened status is the second highest alert in the PNP and is equivalent to the military’s blue alert.
Fajardo said that they are investigating the source of the memos that circulated online.
“We are investigating where the copy of the memo originated and even the text messages because our reminder is always to check the news that we receive and verify the sources,” she said.
An alleged memorandum dated January 7, 2023 that was circulated in social media asked all PNP personnel to be on full alert following the resignation of all personnel of the Defense department.
The said memo was reportedly signed by Police Lt. Col. Dexter Ominga from the PNP Regional Office in Cordillera.
AFP Spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar also dismissed the claims.
“The AFP assures everyone that everything is normal,” Aguilar said.