MANILA, Philippines – Senator Leila de Lima warned the public to be vigilant after the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced it is on terror alert level 3, saying the Duterte administration is “capable” of lying and deceiving Filipinos.

“Benefit of the doubt that it is possible there is such a threat. But based on what is happening now and my own experience, I see they are capable of lies and deceptions,” De Lima told reporters on Thursday, December 1.

“We have to be very vigilant. We have to be discerning about what’s happening because, if in my case, they are feeding lies to the public, as I said they can be capable of lies and deception in graver matters on national security,” she said, referring to the supposed “fabricated” accusations linking her to illegal drugs.

PNP chief Ronald dela Rosa announced the security alert level in a news conference at Camp Crame on Thursday, as he presented 2 suspects in the a recent attempt to plant an improvised explosive device (IED) near the United States embassy in Manila.

Asked what the terror level alert means, Dela Rosa said it’s “police terminology” but did not elaborate. He urged the public to be vigilant.

“Let’s just be alert. I’m advising the public to be viglant, to be alert, to be cautious, but don’t panic. Relax. Enjoy your Christmas,” he said.

He said checkpoints around the country, which President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier ordered removed, would be restored

The police chief, however, allayed fears, saying there is no cause for alarm despite terror threats.

The country is still under a “state of national emergency on account of lawlessness” following an IED blast in Davao City which claimed the lives of at least 15 people.

President Duterte, in a dinner with select journalists, said martial law is a “contingency” to end “widespread violence.” Malacañang, however, downplayed this statement, saying the thought of declaring it “never crossed” Duterte’s mind. – Rappler.com