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Sunday, April 06, 2003
Churches ask for security marshals
By Karlon N. Rama
CEBU -- Putting up courtesy booths and deploying marshals are some of the security measures that churches in Metro Cebu will be adopting to keep parishioners safe amid threats.
The suggestions came from more than 100 representatives from different parishes in Saturday's Metro Cebu Church-State Security Awareness Seminar held at the Archbishop's Palace.
However, security committees of each parish in the cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay and Mandaue and the municipalities of Cordova and Minglanilla will have to discuss among themselves and decide on the most appropriate security measures they want to set up.
Concerned about the security of churches during the Holy Week, Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal urged volunteers to be in the forefront of the program, which is a joint project with the Cebu City Government.
"We should not think of the security of Cebu as a place-commercial buildings, churches-but Cebu as a people of men and women and children who can be made aware of the disasters, diseases and deaths," Vidal said in his message.
Under attack
Public safety was raised after last Wednesday's bombing in Sasa wharf in Davao City where 16 people were killed and more than 50 were injured.
A day after, four mosques in Davao were attacked with grenades and automatic rifle fire. Fortunately, no was killed or injured.
The incidents prompted officials in Cebu to draw up security measures, especially with the upcoming observance of Holy Week when the faithful will gather in churches.
No one has owned up to the Davao attacks but President Arroyo has put the city under a "state of lawless violence" so the military and police can work together to go after the culprits with greater elbow room.
It is important, Cardinal Vidal said, that parishioners are told of their roles and responsibilities since "peace and order is everybody's concern."
Acting Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama also emphasized the importance of coordination and preparedness.
"It's good to be prepared for any eventuality," Rama said in Cebuano.
Bag counters
Depositing bags and packages in counters, preferably outside the church buildings, was the first suggestion during the discussion of the role of parishioners in church security.
"It should be far from the church, so if there's a bomb, only a few will be affected," one of the participants said, drawing laughter from the group.
One of them also suggested that some lay ministers be tasked to act as security personnel.
Another also recommended that aside from civilian volunteers, barangay tanods, police and military personnel who are members of the parish should be prioritized in the selection of security marshals.
"How can the lay ministers concentrate on giving the host when they have to look out for possible attackers?" said Fr. Dan delos Angeles, eliciting laughter again.
Delos Angeles, who was one of the guest speakers, said that aside from terrorism, churchgoers also have to watch out for thieves.
"I know it's uncharitable to be suspicious but let's be practical," he said.
Police Regional Office 7 Operations Division Chief Lani-o Nerez discussed terrorism while PO3 Marcelo Lerio of the Special Weapons and Tactics simulated an actual explosion to demonstrate how touching a "suspicious" article can cause damage.
Lerio advised all participants to leave the disposal of these "suspicious" items to experts. ( with Charmaine Y. Rodriguez of Sun.Star Cebu)
(April 6, 2003 issue)
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