THE provincial police director assured the public that Cebu is safe from terrorists and other lawless groups.

Senior Superintendent Manuel Javier Abrugena urged social media users to avoid alarming the public by not spreading fake news like bomb threats.

He said the Cebu Provincial Police Office's intelligence units are monitoring any movement of lawless elements, adding that other law enforcement agencies and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are giving support.

On Wednesday, May 23, marked the first year since the start of the conflict in Marawi City between government troops and Islamic State-affiliated Maute Group.

Abrugena said the community can help the government in fighting lawless groups by its vigilance. Suspicious looking persons, he added, should be reported to authorities right away.

The police official said they are coordinating with other police offices in neighboring provinces.

He said Abu Sayyaf group members would have not been detected in Inabanga Bohol last year without the reports from residents. (KAL/SunStar Cebu)