CEBU, Philippines - “Dadaan din sila sa butas ng karayom.”
This was the statement of Police Regional Office 7 director, Chief Supt. Manuel Gaerlan, on the kind of security lawless elements would have to face if they intend to disrupt the ongoing International Eucharistic Congress.
No specific threat has been spotted since the opening last Saturday but Gaerlan said authorities are prepared for any eventually.
“There is no specific threat but we are prepared for any contingency. We are prepared to handle any threat,” said Aside from police personnel, augmentation forces from the from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are also helping secure Cebu.
“We really do not know kung merong iniisip dyan ang isang individual na manggulo; he or she wants to embarrass the government or embarrass the IEC so we are not taking anything for granted.” Gaerlan said.
“We are taking maximum preparation as far as security and safety is concerned,” he added, pointing out the security procedures at airports, seaports, and bus terminals across Central Visayas.
He said they have a sub-task group on anti-criminality, which will make sure that all delegates will be safe even from petty crimes.
He also said they will see to it that everyone attending the event will be safe and “no stampede shall occur,” for instance. (FREEMAN)