THE top official of the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10) has placed the entire region under a full alert status and ordered a strong security measures following the deadly twin blasts at a Catholic Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday, January 27.
PRO-Northern Mindanao director Chief Superintendent Timoteo Pacleb said the police are closely working with the government soldiers to ensure safety and security of all cities and provinces across the region.
The double bomb attack left at least 20 people killed and wounded scores of churchgoers and uniformed men.
"We strongly condemn the dastardly attack that victimized innocent lives. While we commiserate with the victims we will not stop in bringing justice for them. We will continue moving forward to attain our dream for a peaceful Mindanao," Pacleb said.
"We are doing our best to keep the entire region safe. While the PNP works round the clock to keep our communities safe, we call on the public to be ever vigilant. Let us keep calm but watchful of our surroundings," he added.
Pacleb has ordered all police units and offices to strengthen border security control through strong checkpoints; beef up intelligence monitoring and police presence in convergence area, transport terminals, airports and seaports.
The region's top cop also directed the deployment of personnel from the Explosive and Ordnance Division (EOD) and K9 units and to coordinate with local government officials.
On the other hand, Cagayan de Oro City police director Senior Superintendent Nelson Aganon also ordered his men to intensify security inspections around the city.
The Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) will implement random and spot inspection of bagpacks and other similar items while operation "kap-kap" and "Bakal Sita" will also be conducted.
Cocpo said it will also coordinate with churches and other populated areas such as malls and public markets including the security service providers.
"Our constituents are advised to stay calm and not to panic since these are only routine security measures. The public is also encourage to report to authorities whatever suspicious activities and personalities noticed in the surrounding,"Cocpo said.
Meanwhile, local government officials in Cagayan de Oro City and Misamis Oriental also condemned the twin explosions in the Jolo Cathedral.
Misamis Oriental Governor Yevgeny Emano said the perpetrators behind the bomb attack must be punished and put behind bars.
"Walay hinungdan, walay kasing-kasing ug walay konsensya ang maong pagpamomba. Kinahanglan masilotan ang mga responsable aron mahatagan sa hustisya ang kamatayon sa mga biktima," Emano said.
"Dili na unta kinahanglan pa nga dunay kinabuhi nga makalas ug properidad nga ma-damyos aron lang makapaabot ang mga suspetsado sa ilang mga kasakit ug pagmahay sa gobyerno," he added.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno also condemned in the strongest possible terms the attack, saying "it was senseless, pointless and barbaric."
"I grieve for Mindanao, for our country, that was a sad day for Mindanao. Kita gyud mismo sa Mindanao are severely affected by that. We have been doing our best to elevate and promote the city, our region, and Mindanao, all of these efforts have been set back by these bombings," Moreno said.