THE residents of Zamboanga City have been urged to be very vigilant against the presence of suspicious-looking persons and unattended packages in their community, and report them immediately to the authorities.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar made the appeal as she called for sobriety and vigilance following Sunday’s incident in Jolo, Sulu.
Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits detonated two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) killing 20 people and injuring 102 others at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral in the village of Walled City, Jolo, Sulu.
Salazar said security in the city has been heightened with police and military personnel including other law enforcers on full alert to thwart any untoward incident attendant to Jolo bombings.
The mayor said that multiple layers of checkpoints have been established, particularly in thickly populated areas and at the borders or entry/exit points of the city.
She also appealed for prayers for Jolo, especially the victims even as she assured that the city government is here to assist the victims.
“We are saddened by the incident. Please note the city Of Zamboanga is a neighbor of Jolo and we are one with the people of Jolo during this difficult time. We are here to lend our helping hand,” she said. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)