Friday, February 16, 2007 Establishments to adopt tighter security measures By Jane Cadalig
TO SUPPORT the government’s campaign against terrorism, establishments should come up with their own measures to ensure public safety.
This was disclosed by Benguet Provincial Board Member William Esteban as he asked establishment owners to implement stricter monitoring procedures and to install gadgets that would really detect dangerous substances or materials.
“What’s happening now in most public establishments is merely routine compliance. There should really be gadgets installed to detect dangerous substances,” the alderman said.
The routine checking of clients entering establishments, like shopping malls, are among the measures adopted to prevent terror activities.
Esteban earlier lauded the Senate’s passage of the anti-terror bill saying this would enhance the government’s fight against terrorism.
He however warned authorities to be extra cautious in implementing the law to ensure that no human rights violations would be incurred.
“The passage of this bill is a welcome development as it would enhance the country’s campaign against terrorism. But authorities should be cautious in the implementation of this law so that no human rights would be violated,” said Esteban, who chairs the committee on peace and order of the PB.
The bicameral version of the anti-terrorism bill was approved last week after more than a year of deliberation.
