Oca urges vigilance as PNP raises alert level

The Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) is beefing up security and target hardening measures across the region following the deadly blast in Lamitan, Basilan that killed 11 people, early this week.

PRO-Northern Mindanao director Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb has ordered all police units to strengthen proactive security efforts to thwart terror attacks by any threat groups.

However, Pacleb assured the public that the state forces are on top of the peace and order situation and are ready to respond to unlikely crisis.

“The strengthening of security is just a proactive measure to preempt adverse incidents in the coming days or months. There is really no cause for alarm,”Pacleb said.

PRO-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Superintendent Surki Serenas urged the public to be vigilant and security conscious by reporting to authorities dubious personalities and suspicious activities.

Serenas said frequent security inspections and checkpoints in public places like malls, public transport terminals and areas of convergence are expected to be stringent.

“Although no report of imminent threat has been monitored as of late, we cannot discount possibilities. Hence, we must always be vigilant, ”Serenas said.

Serenas is seeking the public for understanding and to bear with them to ensure public safety and security.

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno yesterday issued as a statement condemning in the strongest terms the Lamitan explosion.

“In spite of all the peace initiatives the government has pursued, there are still forces that seek to promote war and terrorize our people,”Moreno said.

Moreno said security measures should not be taken lightly especially that the city’s Higalaay Festival has begun.

Moreno said checkpoints need to be enhanced and inspection processes should be made thorough, as may be appropriate in each case.

The city’s top official calls on the public to cooperate with the police and bear the inconveniences that may result from improved security efforts.

“We must be vigilant in every way and observe security guidelines our authorities would issue from time to time,”Moreno said. Alwen Saliring