Security officials: No terror threat in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Amid security concerns brought about by the recent bombings in Jolo Cathedral and a mosque in Zamboanga City, an emergency meeting was called yesterday by Police Regional Office-7.

It was attended by the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command, Coast guard, other law enforcement agencies, and some mayors.

Security officials assured the public that there is no terror threat in Cebu. They also made the same assurance to local and foreign tourists that they are safe here despite a travel advisory from the Embassy of the United Kingdom.

PRO-7 director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said they have tightened their security. In fact, Cebu province has been placed under red alert since Sunday, immediately after the twin bombings in Jolo Cathedral.

“The AFP, PNP, the other law enforcement agencies and local government units assure that Central Visayas, particularly Cebu Island is safe, for both its constituents and the tourist and there is no immediate threat based on the assessment ng lahat ng intel units diri,” Sinas said.

Although there is no direct threat, Sinas said they are not taking chances. He said constant checkpoints are being undertaken.

Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak, Jr. who attended the meeting yesterday said they are making sure that the people are aware of the situation.

“Naanad naman ta anang mga advisory nga naay threat pero di gihapon ta mag kumpiyansa. Ang gipatuman nato sa lungsod kay ipa-aware nato ang mga tawo (we are used to advisory that there are threats, but we will not be complacent. What we are doing is we make sure that the people are aware),” he said.

Sinas urged the public to coordinate with the authorities by reporting suspicious people in their community.

Sinas said they have tapped the Muslim community in Cebu for assistance.

“We will also ask assistance from our Muslim brothers if naay new faces sa ilang area,” Sinas said.

“We will be conducting our routine dialogue with our partners: one, the local government and karon sa Muslim communities in our area,” Sinas added.

He said they will be adopting the security procedures during the Sinulog to ensure that entry points are being monitored.

“Nagsabot nami na ibalik to namo ang police sa ports na mag check-up. Last Sinulog tanan mga tawo nga mosulod sa Cebu Island i-check na sa point of destination nila,” he added.

Sinas is also set to have a dialogue with resort owners and other tourist operators on February 3 to discuss security concerns.

Cebu City

More police personnel will be deployed to secure the churches in Cebu City during Masses.

“I had talked to the city director sa Metro Cebu na kining mga churches na dagko, dungagan nato og police visibility diha sa lugar lalo na sa Sunday Masses nato,” said Sinas.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group will also be deployed to help. — Imarie Jane D. Madarieta (FREEMAN)