Tuesday, April 24, 2007 US travel warning up at Palaro venue
KORONADAL CITY -- Authorities stepped up security measures amid a United States advisory to its citizens not to travel to this fledging city to join thousands of people for the annual Palarong Pambansa.
As different games for high school and elementary students kicked off Monday, heavily armed security forces from the military and the police, some tagging bomb sniffing dogs, were conspicuously roaming the streets.
Mayor Fernando Miguel said the city's police force have been augmented by the regional office to secure athletes, coaches, games officials and the public.
He added that they have created a "people's brigade" to supplement government security personnel in watching over the locality round-the-clock until the end of the competition on April 28.
An advisory late last week from the US embassy warned of an impending major terrorist attack in the southern Philippines.
"The embassy has information that a terrorist group may be planning to carry out bombing attacks in central Mindanao over the next several days," the travel notice said.
Asking Americans to carefully consider plans of visiting Mindanao, the advisory also particularly warned its citizens from going to Koronadal.
"Recent credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stage of attack planning," it said. "The attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao."
In 2003, this city was rocked by separate bombings that killed a dozen people and injured several others.
Meanwhile, small entrepreneurs from the across the country also trooped to this city to make money out of the participants and spectators watching the country's biggest sporting event.
Trade display, located at the Rizal Park just a stone's throw away from the main playing venue and games nerve center, includes marble products from Romblon, fancy jewelries, ornamental plants, souvenir items, and processed food and drink products, among others.
Hotels and inns are virtually fully booked starting late last week, with drivers of tricycles, the main mode of transportation in the city, enjoying significant increase in income.
But at least two big department stores are giving them some competition by offering free shuttle services in selected pick-up points to the stores.
Vendors of foodstuffs, softdrinks, mineral water and fresh fruit shakes are also making good sales due to the scorching weather.
Health workers are on standby for possible victims of heat stroke and game-related injuries, officials said.
Early Sunday night, the city's skyline burst with colors and explosion as the flamboyant fireworks display entertained people for about 20 minutes. (BSS)
