Police: Northern Cebu is safe

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Sr. Supt. Noel Gillamac assured those who want to deliver relief goods to the typhoon-hit towns in northern Cebu that the area is safe.

Gillamac said policemen are on standby along the national highway to ensure that disaster relief supplies can reach even the secluded areas.

Gillamac made the assurance after the Provincial Board asked the police to patrol the national highway from Sogod to Daanbantayan through a resolution penned by Board Member Sun Shimura.

Shimura filed the resolution after hearing reports of suspicious individuals in the north. Based on the Facebook post of a certain Rachel Yase, suspicious looking persons reportedly wanted to board the bus she was riding in Barangay Lugo, Borbon that as if the person wanted to get something from the vehicle.

Gillamac told The FREEMAN they have already verified the reports and the same turned out to be negative.

He said the 'suspicious people' were actually families and children who boarded vehicles at a stop sign and asked for food.

“If naay muhunong nga sakyanan magtapok na sila and asked for food and they are not that dangerous,” Gillamac said, adding, that he finds no reason that typhoon victims would resort to illegal activities as the government have already attended to their needs.

There are policemen who provide security during the transport of disaster relief goods from supply hubs and repacking station if there is a request so as to protect the vehicles carrying the supply and be able to reach the destination.

“If dunay mangayo ug police escorts muhatag ta just to ease their minds on the unconfirmed reports (We will provide police escort for those who will request if only to appease them),” Gillamac said. — (FREEMAN)