NorMin public urged to cooperate with cops

AFTER LAMITAN BLAST

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Local officials and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Region 10 have called on the public to cooperative with law enforcement authorities following the blast in Lamitan City, Basilan that killed 11 people on July 31.

Chief. Supt. Timeteo Pacleb, Police Regional Office-10 (PRO10) director, on Wednesday said he has already ordered all police units to step up “targethardening measures” across the region.

However, Pacleb made it clear that government security forces in the region are “on top of the situation and ready to respond to unlikely crisis.”

Supt. Surki Sereñas, PRO-10 spokesperson, advised residents to be vigilant of “their surroundings, especially the presence of dubious personalities.”

“Although no report of imminent threat has been monitored as of late, we cannot really discount possibilities,” Sereñas said.

Supt. Mardy Hortillosa, Cagayan de Oro City Police Office spokesperson, underscored the role of civilians in thwarting any plan of terrorist attack.

“The police are just few. It’s been proven time and again that suspected persons were arrested because of the help of the civilians,” Hortillosa said.

For his part, Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Oscar Moreno also urged Kagay-anons “to be always watchful especially that the city will celebrate its annual fiesta this month.”

“The Lamitan tragedy is brutally shocking. We condemn it in the strongest terms,” Moreno said Wednesday.

“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 added.

Moreno said checkpoints in every entry and exit points of the city must be enhanced, and the inspection of vehicles and passengers should be made more thorough.

“We cannot take security measures lightly, especially as the City’s Higalaay Festival Events begin to unfold, and I hope that we will all understand and bear the inconveniences that may result from improved security efforts,” he added.

Among the main activities in line with the monthly city fiesta celebration that are likely to attract droves of spectators are the beauty pageant, street dancing, culinary contest, fireworks display, dragon boat race, trade fair, agricultural fair and garden show, and the traditional religious procession. (PNA)