Saturday, February 10, 2007
Security tightened for Kidapawan fiesta
By Ben O. Tesiorna
AUTHORITIES in North Cotabato have tightened security to ensure safety of the people, especially during the weeklong fiesta celebration in Kidapawan City, which kicks off Saturday.
The move came after a news program reported Thursday about a "new bomb threat" in light of the recent escape of three suspected bombers from the Kidapawan jail last week.
Provincial Police Director Federico Dulay, however, said there is no "new bomb threat," but just the old existing one that have been there even before last week's jailbreak.
"That's an old threat. We have already increased our police visibility as well as our checkpoints," Dulay said.
Task Force North Cotabato was recently created to address growing threats of terrorism in the province. It is composed of two battalions from the Army and a company of police personnel.
Governor Emmanuel Piñol said he will add Special Civilian Auxiliary Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgus) to augment the task force.
North Cotabato has recently been the site of various terror acts.
Makilala, Kidapawan, and Kabacan were bombed while Midsayap is presently the site of the latest armed fighting between the Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
And just last week, a group of armed men freed about 49 inmates of the provincial jail located inside the Capitol grounds in Amas, Kidapawan.For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (February 10, 2007 issue)
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