Coastal areas closely monitored

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities have intensified monitoring of coastal areas in Central Visayas owing to possibilities that Muslim rebels from Mindanao will enter the region via sea transport.

“It could be via Siquijor or Negros Oriental depende yan and we have to prevent ari exit sa Central Visayas,” said Lt. Jim Alagao, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command.

“Most probably mag-bangca sila as they are not allowed to board a plane and shipping lines para kung magtabok-tabok sila dili sila dali madakpan,” Alagao added.

Alagao urged those living in coastal barangays in the entire region to be vigilant and report any suspicious personalities.

“If naay kahina-hinala, i-report na kaagad sa pinakamalapit na police station o ba kaya sa AFP detachment sa kanilang lugar,” he said, adding, that protecting one’s surroundings is the responsibility of everyone, not just the military.

Centcom Commander MGen. Roy Deveraturda issued the alert directive in light of the tension in Zamboanga City.  About 400 suspected members of a faction of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) took over barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalona, Rio Hondo and Mariki and areas in Talontalon yesterday morning.

Four were reportedly killed and about 10 were injured in clashes between the MNLF and soldiers. As of yesterday, 220 residents were reported to have been held hostage.

Cancelled flights

Meanwhile, due to the security situation in Zamboanga, Cebu Pacific has cancelled five flights scheduled today, September 10, 2013:

5J 859/860 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila

5J 851/852 Manila-Zamboanga-Manila

5J 839/840 Zamboanga - Tawi-Tawi - Zamboanga

5J 203/204 Cebu-Cagayan de Oro-Cebu

5J 845/844 Cagayan de Oro - Zamboanga - Cagayan de Oro

The airline also cancelled two flights from Cebu bound for Zamboanga City and one flight bound for Cebu from Zamboanga were cancelled yesterday due to the security situation in Mindanao.

In its 10:30 a.m. advisory yesterday, Cebu Pacific said it cancelled five flights, one bound for Cebu, after the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines suspended the operations at the Zamboanga Airport.

The other four cancelled flights were Tawi-Tawi to Zamboanga, Manila-Zamboanga-Manila, Manila-Zamboanga-Manila and Davao-Zamboanga-Davao.

The Public Affairs Office of the Mactan Cebu International Airport said a Zamboanga City-bound plane of Cebu Pacific flew out of Cebu yesterday morning and did not make a return flight.

“Naay ni byahe nga Cebu Pacific gikan sa Cebu ganihang buntag padung sa Zamboanga City og wala man nibalik. We presumed nga naka landing na sila (A Cebu Pacific plane took off for Zamboanga City and did not fly back. We presumed it was able to land successfully),” an MCIA-PAO staff said.

Cebu Pacific said affected passengers “may rebook their flights for travel within 30 days from original departure date with no penalties, or opt for full travel fund or full refund. They may call (02)7020-888 or (032)230-8888 for their preferred option.”

Aside from Cebu Pacific, Air Philippines also cancelled two flights bound for Zamboanga City, said the Mactan Cebu International Airport’s Public Affairs Office.  (FREEMAN)