Intensify security in gas stations: official
Following reports of fuel tankers allegedly used to transport explosive devices, the Cebu City Government has asked the operators of the more than a hundred gasoline stations in the city to heighten their security measures.
Although the reports are yet to be verified, Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, required all the 123 gas stations to at least have two on-duty security guards and to coordinate with their local police stations and barangay tanods.
“The probability that these tankers are, indeed, used to transport explosive devices is very high. We must empower our residents to be cautious and vigilant at all times,” he said.
The councilor yesterday met with officials of the Department of Energy Central Visayas to discuss the measures the gas stations must undertake.
It was agreed that all drivers and loaders aboard the truck should be obliged to report to the City Command Control Center any unusual activity when transporting fuel. All gas stations are also required to post the City’s emergency hotlines.
In a related development, Tumulak expressed his disappointment with the police and military for hiding “valuable” information from the public.
He explained that the authorities have acquired video clips allegedly showing the extremists giving threats, beheading men, displaying “sophisticated” firearms, and waving the flag of the Islamic State group.
“Public safety is everyone’s concern. It’s not that we don’t trust the police, it’s just that we really lack the manpower. We’re not encouraging the people to fight, but rather help us in intelligence gathering. It should be released so that the public can help in identifying who these people are,” Tumulak said.
Last Tuesday, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) and a Military Intelligence Group yesterday briefed several barangay officials on the terrorism status of the city.
Although there is no “concrete evidence” that terrorists have entered the city, CCPO Director Senior Supt. Joel Doria said the public should not be complacent.
“Let’s be active rather than reactive. We have to be active in order to thwart any intentions of the lawless elements. The barangays have also pledged their support. We need vital installation of measures to make sure our area is safe,” he said.
Doria said that for added measures, the CCPO is now working with the Armed Forces Of the Philippines and the Maritime Industry Authority in designating areas for composite checking.
A joint patrol around the city and random checks in establishments are also in progress, he said.
The police official assured that the city is “safe” and that all reported appearances of armed persons are unverified.
“Cebu is safe. There is no concrete information and there are no validated reports of terrorists who have penetrated the city,” he said.
Mayor Tomas Osmeña, for his part, said the authorities should be as transparent as possible in reporting the terrorism update of the city.
“I like the transparency because it’s important for us to understand who are these people because they’re not imaginary. We have to know who are these people and what are their operations,” he said.
Alert
Meanwhile, Chief Supt. Noli Talino, the Police Regional Offce-Central Visayas director, said they are still validating the reports about Maute Group’s terror plots on major cities.
The alleged Maute Group’s plan became known after a memorandum reportedly from a police unit surfaced on social media.
He ordered all the police stations to be on alert and intensify their intelligence gathering, to avoid any takeover similar to what happened in Marawi City.
Taliño asked the public to report any suspicious looking persons to the police or any public officials. /
The probability that these tankers are, indeed, used to transport explosive devices is very high. We must empower our residents to be cautious and vigilant at all times. COUNCILOR DAVE TUMULAK