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Sunday, March 20, 2005
Davao mayor vows to protect citizens v. terrorists
By Aurea A. Gerundio
DAVAO CITY -- Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed to protect its citizens and government property amidst threats of terror attacks and will never negotiate with terrorists to spare the city from any atrocities.
The mayor also ordered Saturday the upgrade of alert level in the city from orange to red as Christians celebrate the Holy Week.
He said he would never do a Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano, who reportedly appealed to suspected bombers on Valentine's Day, to spare his city from the attacks.
"I am not like Emano who was on bended knees, head tilted toward heaven, hands crossed in pleading that his city be spared from the attacks. Do not expect me to kneel down. I may talk to them (terrorists) but I cannot barter the pride of this country for peace," Duterte told reporters in a press conference at the Grand Men Seng Hotel.
The mayor said he consulted with the police and military officials in the city for the implementation of stringent inspections to avoid possible bombings especially in the city's vital installations.
Duterte admitted that Davao City is one of the legitimate targets of terrorist attacks.
"I am not asking for cooperation of the public. I want obedience and compliance. Submit to necessary inspections. We will fight the terrorists with all the might. Let it not be said that we didn't do our best," Duterte said.
Duterte said even members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) are already present in Mindanao.
"Stop asking me of incessant questions about the presence JI. They are here already in Mindanao. Maybe they are just there outside of this building," Duterte told reporters reiterating the need to comply with the inspections.
Travel advisory
Duterte also urged those who will be traveling outside the city to submit to stringent inspections by the police at the airport, seaport and bus terminals.
Duterte said the threat on the security of the city is clear and present, thus, the need for stricter inspection.
"To those who want to fly, go to the airport two hours before your flight. We have agreed with the police and the military to be extra strict with the inspection. There will be three inspections at the airport," Duterte said.
Aside from the inspection at the airport's gate and the electronic inspection of baggage while entering the airport terminal, Duterte said, manual inspection will be required.
He said there would also be inspection before passengers board the plane.
The mayor said those who cannot submit themselves and their things for the series of inspections would not be allowed to board the plane.
To those who want to challenge the plan agreed by the City Government and the police for stricter inspection are urged to go to court and file a case.
Red alert
Meanwhile, the City Government advised everyone to take precautions and to remain calm and alert.
"Please report any suspicious activity or persons to 911 or the police. Listen to radio and television for updates or instructions and avoid unnecessary stay in crowded places," Bong Go, Duterte's aide said.
Red is the highest of the five-color terror alert scale. In the scale from highest to lowest, orange follows red, then yellow, blue and green.
Green means a low risk of terrorist attack. Blue is a general risk, and agencies are asked to review and update emergency response procedures.
Yellow is an "elevated condition," meaning there is a significant risk of attack. Increased surveillance of critical locations and implementing some emergency response plans are called for.
An orange alert level calls for coordination of security efforts between the military and police and additional precautions in public events.
Duterte had raised the level of alert in the city from yellow to orange days after the bombing incident near the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal on Valentine's Day killing one child and wounding seven people.
This time, the red alert has been raised after the incident at Camp Bagong Diwa jail in Bicutan, Taguig, where 23 suspected Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) members were killed by the police in an attempt to escape last Tuesday.
Colonel Eduardo del Rosario, Task Force Davao Chief, said they are closely monitoring the situation in the city but said that no additional forces are needed to secure the city from any possible terrorist attack.
Davao City Police Office Director Conrado Laza said the police had long been on the full alert status even before the V-Day bombing at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal.
| Post your experiences to the Sun.Star Graduation section. Click here. | 2005-02-24 04:52:02
mcalvo - My graduation was unforgettable to me and to my classmates. I was so drunk the night before graduation. During the ceremony i dozed to the point of snooring even when i was already standing i was half sleeping. Our dean has to call my name twice and the person behind me has to push me just to wake me up... graduations are memorable...enjoy and congratulations to all graduates!
Read more experiences |
(March 20, 2005 issue)
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