Taliño: PRO 7 on full alert

President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in Mindanao got the support of local officials in Cebu, as police placed Central Visayas under full alert status.

Police Regional Office 7 Director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño urged the public to stay calm, and announced that a full alert status has been raised in the region.

He assured that the conflict in Marawi will not spill over to the region, which was shaken by the recent incursion of 11 Abu Sayyaf Group members in the northwestern part of Bohol.

The terrorists were all killed in a joint effort by the police and military and vigilant civilians.

Taliño said that the PRO 7 is coordinating with Muslim officials in the region to ask for their support in monitoring their communities.

Cebu City Police Office Director Joel Doria urged the public to immediately coordinate or report to the nearest police station if they noticed any unusual activities.

Gov. Hilario Davide III said that he supported the declaration of Duterte for the government forces to control the situation in Marawi City. He said that Cebu is open to Marawi residents who wish to leave the city.

In a statement, City of Naga Mayor Kristine Vanessa Chiong said she agreed with the martial law declaration because there is an urgent need to control the situation and to protect the lives of residents.

While he has reservations on martial law, Mayor Tomas Osmeña said he will give the President the benefit of the doubt as the latter is from Mindanao and knows better the situation there.

Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, for his part, said the mere presence of lawless elements in Marawi City can't be disputed.

Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing also supported Duterte's decision. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza, meanwhile, opted not to comment on the matter but urged the public to be vigilant. /