Saturday, October 20, 2007 Local police on red alert
CENTRAL Visayas is on full alert following the blast that hit Glorietta 2 mall in Makati City yesterday.
As of 3 p.m., Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 Director Ronald Roderos ordered all provincial, city and group directors and station commanders to improve police visibility in all crowded areas.
Roderos said, though, that there was no specific threat in the region and that this was only a preventive measure.
He said the public should continue with their normal activities. “There is no cause for alarm,” he said.
Roderos, however, urged business establishments to strengthen their security measures and invest in security cameras.
He said these should not be considered expenses but investments, as the public would feel safer and patronize their business if they feel protected.
Marissa Fernan, SM Prime Holdings vice president for marketing, said they have started installing surveillance cameras throughout the mall. She said SM City Cebu has always been on guard and that they are trying to be more vigilant.
She added that Cebu City Councilor Jack Jakosalem told her the City Government was sending over more police officers to assist in the monitoring.
Ver de la Cerna, Ayala Mall’s customer affairs manager, told Sun.Star Cebu that shoppers are assured that “every day is a safe day for shoppers in Ayala,” which incidentally began a three-day sale yesterday.
Tighter security was implemented at the mall, with security guards going after shoppers who skipped inspections at the entrances.
The mall was still full of shoppers at past 3 p.m., long after the blast in Makati.
In a text message to Sun.Star Cebu, Cebu City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said he has informed all mall managers and owners that, in view of the explosion, City Hall “ordered the increased presence of Cebu City police personnel in the malls to look out for and avert any potential threats to public safety while minimizing unnecessary panic to customers.”
Jakosalem explained that they issued the order because “many people, both local and foreign, consider Cebu City as one of the safest highly urbanized cities in the country and we want to keep it that way. Better safe than sorry.”
He also wants the public to know that for any potential threats, such as suspicious-looking bags or packages left in public places in the city, one may call the Cebu City police hotlines at 255-4357, 254-8303 or 254-8304. (MEA/RCT/CYR)
