THE local law enforcement units assured on Wednesday, August 15, 2018, the public that there is no immediate threat on tourist spots in Southern Cebu

Their statements on Wednesday came after the British Government issued an updated travel advisory, discouraging British nationals from traveling to Southern Cebu “up to and including the municipalities of Dalaguete and Badian, due to the threat of terrorism” except if they have “essential travel” in the area.

Superintendent Janette Rafter, the Cebu provincial police spokesperson, said the public has nothing to worry about as they are coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (CentCom).

Colonel Noel Baluyan, Centcom's Task Force Sugbo commander, said joint security plans of the military and police had been put in place.

He said Cebu is still under “threat level 2,” which means Cebu is still a target of terrorism but there are no monitored activities.

“There is always that intention but our security preparations are planned in advance. Our monitoring is very active,” Baluyan said.

Rafter said, “I would encourage the people who are going to that area to still enjoy great experience that Southern Cebu is offering.”

Town police stations, she said, have been augmented with tourist police officers in the past months.

Rafter said tourists should also be aware of their personal safety even without a travel advisory. The local and foreign tourists, she said, should have telephone or cell phone numbers of local police.

“We should be cautious because criminals would look for opportune time to carry out their illegal acts,” she said. (KAL)