Quisumbing confirms getting death threats

Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Luis Quisumbing has admitted that he received threats following his strong stand in the fight against illegal drugs in the city.

In an interview with reporters yesterday, Quisumbing revealed that the threats were sent to him in different forms.

"We have. There have been several threats. Some through my phone, some that called, some via text, some through intelligence sa police because we detected, for example, the presence of several guns for hire that are operating in the city of Mandaue," he said, after delivering his State of the City Address (SOCA) yesterday morning in the City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Quisumbing added that these lawless elements are being monitored.

Security has been provided for him and for his family and for the city residents, according to the mayor. "For us, we take every precaution possible," he said. Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Chief Debold Sinas said they are willing to deploy police security personnel to Quisumbing.

“I will talk to him sa. We will beef up security, if manginahanglan siya og security. Amo gyung i-beef up kay suportado gyud mi ana sa iyaha, so di gyud mi ganahan nga maalanganin siya,” said Sinas.

Sinas, however, said that Quisumbing did not mention to him about the threat since the last time they’ve met during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit for the League of Municipalities Visayas Island Cluster Conference in Cebu City last August 21.

“Automatic man na, kapag talaga nag ano ka (support) sa illegal drug campaign ay you will be included sa mga target sa mga drug pushers,” Sinas added.

He also said that Quisumbing is very supportive in any police operations in Mandaue City.

SOCA

In his SOCA, Quisumbing has recognized the initiatives and efforts of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) for making sure that the city remains safe from crimes as well as from illegal activities such as drug peddling.

He also disclosed during his SOCA that many people are showing concerns about the situation as well as for the safety of his family. —

Christell Fatima M. Tudtud, Ermida Q. Moradas/GAN