Cebu cops doing well in Zamboanga

CEBU, Philippines - Contrary to a report, the 130 personnel of the Regional Public Battalion-7 have enough money for their food and operational expenses, a Police Regional Office-7 official said.

“I would like to discount information that’s coming out from a newspaper that they are hungry. They are not,” said Senior Supt. Edward Carranza, PRO-7 chief of the regional directorial staff.

The 130 RPSB personnel sent to augment the Zamboanga City police force, led by Supt. Clifford Gairanod, are also in high morale, Carranza further said.

“As per my telephone call with Col. Gairanod, the Zamboangueños are even offering them free food, free drink, and free use of their houses to attend to their personal necessity,” Carranza said.

The troops have reportedly arrested some suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front members.

“I would like to inform their family, all our policemen that were sent to Zamboanga City are all in good health. We don’t have battle casualty there, no injuries as of this date,” Carranza added.

Meanwhile,Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command commander Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda directed all units in the Central Visayas to collect donations, whether in food or goods, for the residents affected by the crisis in Zamboanga  City.

“At present, there is already a shortage of food, medicines and non-food item in the said areas,” he said.

All donations will be consolidated and will be taken to the affected areas by the Philippine Air Force through its 2nd Air Division.

The CentCom office is also open to those who want to donate.  (FREEMAN)