‘Gov’t on top of Palawan situation’

The government is on top of the situation in Palawan.

Malacañang gave the assurance yesterday after the US and the United Kingdom warned their citizens against traveling to the province, citing terrorist threats.

The US and the UK have issued travel advisories warning their citizens about supposed plans by terrorists to kidnap

foreigners in Palawan, including in the capital Puerto Princesa City and areas surrounding the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park.

The warnings came after the US, UK and several other foreign governments cautioned their citizens about kidnapping threats in Bohol, the site of a clash that left five Abu Sayyaf militants and four government troopers dead last month.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said the military and police are working closely to thwart any terrorist activity in Palawan, a known tourist site.

“Public safety is everyone’s concern. We assure everyone that the government is on top of the situation and authorities, particularly those in the Western Command which covers the province of Palawan, are on heightened alert to prevent any untoward incidents,” Abella said.

“All units and assets are being utilized to ensure maximum security to deny any terrorist group’s entry and access in the high seas and coastal areas,” he added.

Abella said the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Command, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police and the local government of Palawan “are in close coordination in enforcing law and order.”

“We urge everyone’s cooperation, including residents and tourists, to be mindful and immediately report to law enforcement units any questionable individual or activity in the areas,” Abella said.

President Duterte has ordered the military to “shoot on sight” Abu Sayyaf bandits, saying the situation is “a problem of security, law and order.”

“My order to the security forces is stalk, shoot them on sight. Kill them, do not waste your bullet, then we take care of them in hospital. Expend your bullet to finish the problem because it is really a problem,” Duterte stressed in a press conference on Wednesday.

“If you encounter them, kill them. Filipinos are in great number. Next year there will be more – there will be about 125 million of us. We can always replenish the supply, do not worry,” he added.