CV boosts security after car bomb try

CEBU, Philippines - Police Regional Office-7 director Chief Superintendent Prudencio “Tom” Bañas ordered to intensify security measures of vital installations in the region following the discovery of a car bomb in Manila yesterday morning.

In an interview, Bañas said he directed commanders to take extra precautions in their areas of jurisdiction.

“If they can do that in Metro Manila, di rin malayo na tatargetin din ang ating mga vital installation in Cebu City,” Bañas said.

He added that they will intensify their measures to protect these establishments to prevent terrorists from inflicting damage in Central Visayas.

Besides airports, he also directed his men to secure sea ports and places where people are most likely to converge.

“The objective of terrorists is to conduct this kind of activity and do as much harm as they can,” Bañas said.

Regional Intelligence chief Superintendent Paul Labra said he has not received any threat so far but he told reporters that he directed the intelligence units in the region to conduct continuous monitoring against terrorism threats.

Labra added that he reminded lower units to further enhance their target hardening measures regularly for them not to be outplayed by terrorists.

Labra said that he only recommended to place Central Visayas under level two status, meaning there are no serious threats as of the moment.

Yesterday morning three persons were arrested by the police over a foiled car bomb attack at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Law enforcement officers seized several firearms from the suspects, including six to eight improvised explosive devices placed inside a van in a car park at the airport terminal.  (FREEMAN)