Security in Davao churches tightened for Holy Week

DAVAO CITY – Security in the various churches in the city has been tightened for Holy Week against possible retaliatory attacks by Muslim extremists.

Officials said they are particularly concerned with the bombing of four mosques here last April 3, a few hours after the bombing of the Sasa wharf which killed 16 people and left 57 others wounded.

Southern Mindanao regional police director Chief Superintendent Isidro Lapeña said an integrated security system will be in effect in all vital installations and public places in the city.

"These security measures also involve our church leaders themselves, including those in the Gagmayang Kristohanong Katilingban groups and the barangay police," Lapeña said.

He said the security measures will be in accordance with the "state of lawlessness."

President Arroyo earlier placed the entire city under state of lawlessness following the bombing of Sasa wharf last April 2.

A military-led "Task Force Davao" was formed to implement stringent security measures to prevent further terror attacks.

Lapeña, however, did not elaborate on the security measures that will be taken.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte met last Thursday with Church leaders who assured full cooperation with the authorities.

Sensitive over security leaks, Duterte pulled out his weekly TV program from ABS-CBN claiming earlier news reports had jeopardized operations against those behind the bombings.

Duterte claimed the news reports aired by the local ABS-CBN here compromised the security of government agents penetrating the ranks of groups suspected to have carried out the bombings.

He said a broadcast clearly identified the "deep penetration agent," which he stressed should have been kept confidential since it would not only jeopardize the operation but also will put the family of the supposed agent in harm’s way.

Duterte was supposed to make important announcements yesterday on security matters but decided to pull out his program off the air.

"The mayor reached a point that he was so mad and angry with that news story so that he decided to pull out his TV public service from the said station," a close aide of Duterte told The STAR.

"It was so bad that the mayor felt reporters should also know how to draw the line between confidential and what is not confidential," the aide added.

Jun Tarisman, news director of ABS-CBN Davao, said he "will assess the situation."

Duterte has been appointed as crisis manager by Mrs. Arroyo to investigate and prosecute the suspects in the March 4 bombing of Davao International Airport which left 22 people killed and 159 wounded.