CAGAYAN de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) Director Gerardo Rosales ordered the police to conduct drills to prepare the police and the city in dealing with terror attacks.
The simulation exercises will be in coordination with the military and the City Government, the first of which will be held in Lumbia village, Cagayan de Oro City, at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 8.
The participating Philippine National Police personnel will not be informed about the specifics of the simulation exercises to test how they will respond to the simulated attacks.
The drill also aims to identify gaps in preparations, logistical needs, and manpower capability to ensure that the Cocpo and other agencies will be able to handle similar situations efficiently.
Rosales said the city police are aware of the recent incidents perpetrated by the New People’s Army rebels in peripheral areas of the city.
“That is why we need to prepare the best that we can so that we have a better idea on how to handle the situation rather than waiting the situation before we will react,” Rosales said.
Rosales also assured the public that intensive intelligence monitoring and police operations have been undertaken to deter terror attacks.
Cocpo spokesman Mardy Hortillosa II said residents should not be alarmed and surprised over the presence of the military and the police personnel near identified drill areas.
“Nothing to be alarmed if they (public) can see and hear any emergency response towards Lumbia area,” Hortillosa said.
Hortillosa also cautioned and urged the public to report about other groups who may be taking advantage of the activity and perform similar exercises outside the Lumbia area.