UNITED States Consul General Russel Brown said on Thursday, March 15, that Cebu is safe for American citizens.
Brown, however, said everyone must remain vigilant.
“Thanks to the efforts of the police who are keeping our American citizens safe,” said Brown, who was accompanied by staff during his visit to the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) headquarters in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City.
The diplomat, in his speech, said there are about 8,000 to 10,000 American citizens living in Cebu, some of whom are retired servicemen and Filipino-Americans.
The US Embassy had issued a travel advisory, telling Americans not to travel to southern Cebu after reports about possible terrorist threats last year.
Brown said the travel advisory was not extended to this year.
“We take these things seriously and we have a requirement in our law in the United States to share these things so the American people traveling here know these things,” he said. “The situation is quite changed since last year.”
Senior Supt. Edgar Alan Okubo, CPPO director, said they will continue to go after criminals to make the province safe for everyone.
In 2017, CPPO noted a drop in crimes in Cebu, with around 2,254 fewer cases. The crime volume fell to 15,881 from 18,135 in 2016, or a 12.43 percent decrease.
The crime solution efficiency of CPPO rose to 72.91 precent in 2017 from 67.3 percent in 2016.
Brown said Okubo reported that Cebu is on a level two security alert, which means there is “a potential always for something to happen.”
He listened to Okubo’s report on CPPO’s accomplishments against crimes, including arrests made against drug personalities and communist rebels.
Brown said the provincial police’s efforts against crime and lawless elements are impressive.