BACOLOD City Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran urged the public to be vigilant and cooperate with the authorities by reporting the presence of suspicious persons to the nearest police station.
Familiaran said Wednesday, October 25, Bacoleños should do their part in fighting terrorism.
“President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier said to remain alert even if the crisis in Marawi City is over. So we must do our part so that the incident in Marawi will not happen here,” the vice mayor said.
Last Sunday, Duterte was in Bacolod City to grace the highlights of the 38th MassKara Festival.
Familiaran said the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) is intensifying its visibility patrol and checkpoint operations to pre-empt the operation of the lawless elements.
“We should be vigilant and should not give chance to the terrorists,” he said.
He added that the additional 100 policemen for BCPO is a big help to maintain the peace and order in the city.
Familiaran also expressed support for the immediate rehabilitation of Marawi.
He said the rehabilitation of Marawi could cost up to P150 billion and a big amount is needed to rebuild the city.
Duterte had earlier declared that Marawi has been freed from the Maute group and it marks the beginning of the rehabilitation of the war-torn city.
Familiaran said this is a victory for the government and for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“Crime doesn’t pay and it is a moral lesson to the groups who are not for the government,” he said.