PNP chief: High alert for AFP change of command, Black Nazarene feast 'very normal'

Police officers deploy near the People Power Monument along EDSA in Quezon City on January 7, 2022 for heightened police visibility. In response to rumors of a destabilization plot, the PNP said that police were on heightened security because of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila.

The STAR / Michael Varcas

MANILA, Philippines — Police armored vehicles in photos that went viral over the weekend along with rumors of a destabilization plot were going through regular maintenance, Police Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., Philippine National Police chief, said Monday.

The PNP has been fielding questions on rumored unrest in the uniformed services since last Saturday, but Azurin said heightened alert levels are standard protocol and that he does not think there is an actual plot against the government.

"I already talked to the camp commander and was told that that was a regular maintenance checkup," Azurin said in a press conference. He said that service vehicles need to be used regularly so they do not break down in storage.

Full Story: https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/01/09/2236400/pnp-chief-high-alert-afp-change-command-black-nazarene-feast-very-normal