TWENTY-FIVE leaders of the Muslim community in Cebu expressed support for efforts to keep the island safe in the wake of an explosion that killed 14 and hurt 71 others in a Davao City night market last Friday.
They also appealed, through the police, for the public to spare them from discrimination, after the Abu Sayyaf Group claimed responsibility for the blast.
Since Saturday, patrols by the police and two Army units in Talisay City have started, said Supt. Aileen Recla, the city’s police chief.
Authorities have asked those passing through the airport and seaports to prepare for a more thorough security inspection. And mayors are meeting today with the police and interior department to discuss President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a nationwide state of lawless violence.
“We love Cebu so much. We want it to be peaceful. Our community is doing its best because we cannot tolerate our brothers doing bad things. We condemn whatever bad actions that they made, especially terrorism,” said Muhammad Arafat Lozano, president of the Islamic Propagation Society of Cebu (IPSC).
Eyes and ears
For three hours, leaders of the Muslim community in Cebu joined a dialogue organized by the Cebu City Police Office. They capped it with an agreement to cooperate in monitoring new arrivals, in order to flush out extremists.
Among those present were representatives from the Tausugs and Maranao communities, and a group called Balik Islam from Maguindanao.
Supt. Timmar Alam from the Cebu City Public Safety Company said that they are strengthening their coordination with the Muslim community to thwart any plots from extremists and rebel groups.
“Kung meron silang information or reports about any plots na gagawin sa Cebu island at least maagapan natin (If they come across any information or reports about any plots that will be attempted in Cebu, at least we can prevent it),” Alam said.
Alam said that the Muslim community also asked for fair treatment from the public and the police in cases of discrimination against them.
Information
He urged the public to stop spreading false information through texts or social media posts that may cause panic.
Just stay vigilant and report any suspicious persons or things in your area, Alam advised.
Cebu City Police Director Joel Doria said that the dialogue with the Muslim community highlighted their mutual concern for keeping Cebu safe.
He also gave a directive for 24-hour patrols, done in shifts, in the Cebu IT Park, vital installations and crowded places like malls, churches, terminals, and parks.
All police vacation leaves were also canceled.
The Cebu South Bus Terminal also tightened its watch by doubling the security detail per shift.
There are at least 480 buses and taxis that come and go from the terminal, which the Province operates.
Deterrent
According to the assistant security officer of the South Bus Terminal, Jigger Geverola, fewer passengers went through the terminal in the first weekend since the blast in Davao.
“We have initiated action by heightening our security measures in ensuring that our personnel are augmented in strategic points like the entrance of the terminal,” Geverola said.
Passengers may be frisked, and all bags will be checked. Geverola asked the terminal’s users to report any suspicious-looking or unattended baggage in the terminal.
In Davao’s case, the improvised explosive device was reportedly stashed in a bag, which was left in the massage area of the open-air night market. It was believed to have been triggered by a cell phone.
A team from Police Station 5, the Highway Patrol Group and a contingent from the military’s Central Command are now securing Cebu’s South Bus Terminal.
“We assure the riding public that we are doing our best to strengthen our security to serve as a deterrent to any plans that might cause trouble,” Geverola said.
Bags
In the island’s largest port complex in Cebu City, the Philippine Coast Guard has sent its personnel and trained dogs to help secure the passenger terminal.
Senior Supt. Glenn Sarador, officer-in-charge for port security, safety and environmental management of the Cebu Port Authority (CPA), said that security personnel were reminded to inspect all passengers and their bags.
Sarador said that the gate guards were also directed to inspect all incoming vehicles.
CPA General Manager Edmund Tan directed all port managers, port police officers and all security personnel to heighten security.
“The leaves of absence of the members of the port police are canceled. Security personnel have been directed to increase police visibility,” Sarador said.