Magpale says sorry on CICC looting

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale has expressed apology for the reported looting of relief goods intended for Yolanda victims at the Cebu International Convention Center.

“I feel bad about it. We have to say sorry, we will just have to apologize for what happened,” said Magpale, as she assured that security in the facility will be beefed up and a thorough investigation will be conducted.

Magpale suggested the hiring of temporary blue guards to safeguard CICC since Capitol currently has no security provider yet.

But Governor Hilario Davide III said hiring of temporary security personnel is no longer needed as the Bids and Awards Committee is already evaluating two qualified security agencies before the awarding of contract.

Security providers Tactical Security Agency and GDS Security and Detective Agency are now undergoing post-qualification evaluation after having been qualified in the bidding. Once post-qualified, the awarding of contract will follow.

For the meantime, personnel from the Capitol’s Civil Security Unit are augmented at CICC, Chief of Security Loy Anthony Madrigal said.

Madrigal said the Capitol is coordinating with the Mandaue City Police Office to investigate the looting at Gawad Kalinga’s storage area at CICC.

Gawad Kalinga, a non-government organization, earlier confirmed that the looting was captured by a closed-circuit television camera.

Officer from the organization, in a statement, said the entry into the GK storage area on June 18 and the taking of goods on the same date were unauthorized.  — (FREEMAN)