Philippine Police Friday tightened security on the Light Rail Transit (LRT)-1 line in metro Manila on the eve of the 6th anniversary of the deadly Rizal Day bombing.

Acting Manila Police District chief Danilo Abarzosa said he ordered his personnel to closely watch the portion of the LRT running through Manila.

"I instructed my men to be extra strict in frisking and inspecting passengers riding the LRT, particularly at the stations along Taft Avenue," Abarzosa said.

He said personnel from the Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) and Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) units are stationed at LRT stops.

Meanwhile, Armed Forces chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. said security forces would be vigilant against possible attacks that might be carried out by terrorists to commemorate the 6th year anniversary of the infamous Rizal Day bombing.

Esperon said the military would be on low terror alert, but assured soldiers would be vigilant. He said the measures undertaken to ensure a peaceful Rizal Day are adopted in coordination with the Philippine National Police.

On Dec. 30, 2000, several passengers aboard the LRT-1 were killed and hundreds were wounded after a bomb planted in one of its coaches exploded at the Blumentritt station.

Source: Xinhua