Port cops get bomb alarm during fluvial parade

CEBU, Philippines – Police responded to a suspected bomb threat at the port area minutes after the fluvial procession yesterday morning.

But the alarm turned out to be negative, according to Inspector Ador Rusiana, officer-in-charge of Cebu Port Police Intelligence and Investigation Section.

In an interview, Rusiana said they received the alarm around 8 a.m. just when the fluvial procession was about to end.

He said his intelligence officer who was roaming around the port noticed a purple shoulder bag on the window of the port police building.

Recognizing the potential danger, Rusiana said he then requested for K-9 units to check the bag.

Three K-9 units from the Philippine Coast Guard, Special Weapons and Tactics, and Bomb Squad responded to the alarm ten minutes after.  When they checked the bag, they found a bottle filled with lubricant.

When found, the bottle had a drinking straw with it protruding from the bag and seemed to be an “antenna,” Rusiana said.

Rusiana said they have not received any reports yet as to who left the bag in the area. “Basin ilad-ilad lang,” he said.

As of press time yesterday, no other incidents were reported by the Cebu Port Police, aside from the negative bomb threat.  (FREEMAN)