Capitol to tighten compound, SBT security

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Government will tighten the security of the Capitol compound and South Bus Terminal (SBT) following the bombing incident in Cotabato City.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said he will look into the request of the Provincial Security Office on the need to add closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and walk through metal detectors to be used in the Capitol building and SBT.

“If atong basehan tong nahitabo sa ubang lalawigan, we can never tell. So, better be safe than assuming,” Davide stressed.

Provincial Chief Security Officer Loy Madrigal said there are 46 CCTV cameras in the executive and legislative buildings and the SBT.

But some of these cameras are already defective while some are incapable of recording clear images.

“This is to improve our security in the Capitol. We really lack CCTV needed for close monitoring,” he said.

Included in his proposal is to provide walk through metal detectors in the legislative and executive buildings.

As for the SBT, which is owned and operated by the Provincial Government, Madrigal said that he already requested for personnel to assist senior citizens and children so they would be given priority in riding buses.

He also tapped the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) to assign standby K9 units in the area, especially during rush hours.

Davide assured that Madrigal’s suggestions will be brought to the Provincial Board for discussion and approval.

“We will evaluate and further discuss what measures to take,” Davide told reporters.  (FREEMAN)