EXPECT to see more police and soldiers in terminals, churches, and malls. Head for the air or seaports earlier, and expect a longer security check. Cooperate with authorities.
These, explained some police, military and local officials yesterday, are among the things the public can expect after the declaration of an indefinite and nationwide “state of lawlessness.”
The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 and the Central Command (Centcom), both based in Cebu, went on full alert hours after the bombing that killed 14 and wounded 67 others Friday night in Davao City.
“Lahat yan ay babantayan natin (We’ll guard all of these places),” said Central Visayas Police Director Noli Taliño, referring to malls, terminals, airports, seaports, and other places where crowds converge.
Law enforcement
President Rodrigo Duterte said before daybreak Saturday that he had to declare a state of lawlessness in order to call out the military to assist the police with its law enforcement and public safety functions.
Jesus Dureza, presidential adviser on the peace process, explained in a Facebook post that the declaration would empower the military to “complement and supplement the capability of the PNP.”
Those passing through Mactan airport were advised to expect additional security measures, like increased police visibility, inspection of vehicles entering the airport compound, and frisking in the X-ray areas by the Office of Transportation Security (OTS).
“While there is no specific threat to MCIA (Mactan Cebu International Airport) at the moment, the measures are precautionary in nature and are designed to ensure the best possible level of protection is afforded to passengers and staff at the airport,” said General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete of the MCIA Authority.
In a separate interview, Deputy Cebu City Police Director Supt. Artemio Ricabo advised the public to remain at home if they do not have pressing matters to attend to.
Surveillance
Apart from setting up checkpoints more frequently, the police will also tighten surveillance on ships arriving from Mindanao.
Ricabo urged all Cebuanos to report “persons who’ll suddenly appear and ask to temporarily stay in boarding houses and lodges,” especially if they act suspicious.
Ricabo said that the Muslim leaders in Cebu are supportive of the police in maintaining peace in the city.
“There are groups that we’re closely monitoring because there is a possibility that they’ll ride on the terrorist attack,” said Senior Supt. Jose Macanas of the Cebu Provincial Police Office, in a separate interview.
The provincial police strengthened their coordination with the Philippine Army for the monitoring of crowded places, especially for the feast in the Miraculous Shrine of the Blessed Virgin of Simala on Sept. 8.
The private company that runs the Mactan airport terminal, GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corp. (GMCAC), posted social media messages advising passengers to allow for more time for airport processes, like security checks.
Avoid crowds
“MCIAA, GMCAC, PNP-Aviation Security and OTS are asking for the public’s understanding on the added inconvenience passengers and other airport users will be exposed to,” read the GMCAC statement emailed by Genna Mijares, head of corporate affairs and brand management.
“We apologize for whatever inconvenience this causes even as we ask for everybody’s cooperation in these trying times,” the statement added.
Police Senior Supt. Richie Posadas, chief of PNP-Aviation Security Unit 7, asked for a Special Weapons and Tactics team from the Lapu-Lapu City police to help secure the checkpoint closest to the airport.
Lapu-Lapu Mayor Paz Radaza alerted the City Government and the police to take extra precautions. She also asked everyone to pray for the victims of the explosion in Davao.
“Though we are away from the incident, with the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) claiming responsibility over it, I am advising everyone to avoid going into crowded areas right now and be vigilant all the time,” Radaza added.
On the other hand, Cebu Port Authority (CPA) General Manager Edmund Tan directed the port police to be on
heightened alert.
The police offices of Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City went on full alert hours after the explosion.
Mandaue City Mayor Gabriel Quisumbing announced that the City will be strictly enforcing its curfew ordinance until the red alert status will be lifted.
Double-time
Senior Supt. Rommel Cabagnot, director of the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office, said that the President’s declaration requires the police “to double our efforts.”
Cabagnot cancelled the days off and leaves of absence of his team, for the meantime.
In Mandaue City, Senior Supt. Roberto Alanas, the police chief, said he told his officers to conduct more checkpoints, be more visible, and step up their surveillance activities.
“Mas maganda kung nasa bahay tayo pero kung di maiiwasan, ang ating kapulisan ay nakabantay (It would be better if we stay at home for the meantime. But if going to public places cannot be avoided, our police will be there to guard you) 24/7,” said Alanas.
In his Facebook account, Mayor Quisumbing asked Mandauehanons to report any suspicious activity to the 911 hotline or to the City Command Center.
He said there was no threat of any attack on the city, but “I will also not allow any complacency.”
“The people of Mandaue grieve alongside the victims of the bombing in Davao City last (Friday) night. We offer our sympathies, support and prayers to all of those affected by the blast. If need be, Mandaue will be sending doctors to Davao to help with the treatment of the blast victims,” Quisumbing said.