APEC security: Public urged to report suspicious things, people

CEBU, Philippines- To strengthen the security further for Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) delegates here, the Department of Interior and Local Government-7 is calling on the public to report “suspicious, unattended, or abandoned bags, packages, boxes.”

“Do not touch it or go near it… (Also report) unmarked letters or parcels which do not have return addresses.  They may contain explosives, chemical or biological agents.  If possible, report those suspicious items to the nearest police station,” said DILG 7 Director Rene Burdeos in a statement.

In case of a bomb threat received through phone, the public is advised to keep the caller on the line, record everything said, and notify the police and building management immediately.

Likewise, the public is encouraged to notify the police of suspicious individuals in the community.

The barangays, on the other hand, have been directed barangays to utilize their local intelligence network to monitor planned protest actions by militant groups.

“The security for our visitors, as well as our community, is everyone’s concern… The hospitality of the Cebuanos is at the forefront of this momentous occasion.  APEC delegates do not just feel the warmth of the Cebuanos; they (also) feel safe and secure in our provinces and region,” Burdeos said.

He believed that the country’s hosting of the APEC meetings would bring about more economic and tourism benefits to Metro Cebu and to the whole Central Visayas.

The delegates started arriving in Cebu City on August 20 and are expected to depart after all the series of meetings here will end on September 6. 

Four ministerial meetings are also set to be held in Cebu. These are on structural reform meeting on September 7 to 8, finance meeting on September 10 to 11, transportation meeting on October 8 to 10, and energy meeting on October 12 to 14.

Burdeos encouraged the public to project a positive image of Cebu “that is a place of warmth and hospitable people, that cares for the safety of everyone, visitors and residents alike.”  (FREEMAN)