AHEAD of Boracay’s temporary closure to tourists, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Central Command and other government agencies conducted a capability demonstration in the southern town of Oslob, Cebu.
Three scenarios were executed, which were a supposed infiltration attempt by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the detonation of a bomb planted by its members, and the escape plan the “terrorists” would execute.
“Our focus is on terrorism because in the past, security was focused more on insurgency in southern Cebu. But with what happened in Marawi, our preparations are continuous so as to prevent such a thing from happening in the Visayas,” said Lt. Gen. Paul Atal, Centcom commander.
The demonstration, he said, showcased the responsiveness of different troops and responders, should such an incident happen.
“We have to protect the local and foreign tourists. Efforts on security by the whole Central command will now focus on that threat,” he said.
Atal said that the demo was also part of their preparations for the expected influx of tourists in Oslob while Boracay’s tourism establishments remain closed for six months.
“Well, this is part of the anticipation already for the pending closure of Boracay so we are expecting that tourists will be shifting to Bohol and Cebu,” the commander said.
In the summer of 2017, an Abu Sayyaf squad did land in Bohol but were neutralized by government authorities.
He added that Oslob was the area chosen for the demonstrated because aside from its shoreline, it is close to Mindanao.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Navy, Coast Guard, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection, among others, joined the demonstration in Oslob.
Oslob Mayor Jose Tumulak said that the demo was the first in Oslob and aimed to encouraged locals to join as reservists. He said it also gave 80 reservists from the town a chance to apply their training.
Lucia Skvareninova, who hails from Slovakia, said she felt safe and was impressed after she and her companion witnessed the demonstration.
“I think this is a good performance, especially for the people. In case there is a terrorist or any dangerous situation, people would know that they are secure,” Skvareninova said. She added that it was her second time in Oslob and promised that she would return next year.
Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Senior Supt. Edgar Okubo rated the demo a 7 out of ten.
“So from there we saw the initial response in case there will be terrorist problems because those attacks it may happen anytime. The response is very important. There is room for improvement,” Okubo said.