Central Visayas cops on heightened alert

CEBU, Philippines - Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez has declared a heightened alert for all units under the Police Regional Office-7 for today’s funeral of former President Corazon Aquino in Manila.

Nerez, director of PRO-7, said that he wants to make sure that no lawless groups would take advantage of the situation and create trouble.

He however assured that there are no reports of planned activities by groups to coincide with the funeral, but he just wants to make sure the police would be ready for any eventuality.

Those in areas where there is the presence of rebels have also been told to be very vigilant.

“They should be on alert in their respective stations because we do not know if terrorists would take the opportunity,” Nerez said.

  “Basin nya mugara ang mga terrorist naa sa Negros so mao nga ato ning gi-heightened alert status,” Nerez added.

Nerez was still a junior officer during the presidency of Aquino and recalls a time when he along with other junior officers were called to Malacañang because President Aquino wanted to hear straight from them their concerns.

He was there as representative from Central Visayas along with the late Napoleon Sesante. – Gabriel Bonjoc/NLQ (THE FREEMAN)