Thursday, November 15, 2007 Local police up alert following Batasang Pambansa bombing By Ruby P. Silubrico
THE entire police organization in Iloilo was placed on high alert status following the bombing that killed four persons including Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar and wounded 12 others Tuesday night at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City.
Iloilo City Police Director Wesley Barayuga said he immediately instructed his police chiefs and intelligence personnel to be more vigilant in the conduct of their duties in malls and other establishments.
He said all vital installations and vehicle terminals will be guarded to avoid a similar tragedy.
Under tight security were malls, said Barayuga.
He also requested that all mall security guards enforce a strict baggage check. Barayuga said it is important that there is added precaution even if there is no terrorist threat in the region.
As part of the preparation, the ICPO installed additional sniffing dogs in some malls. He said they were requesting some more from the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Coastguard as augmentation.
The conduct of checkpoints in all entrance and exit points in the city will also continue.
