PALO, Leyte -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Eastern Visayas has denied receiving a report that suspects of the December 28 Hilongos, Leyte bombing are in Tacloban City, the region's capital.
“Rumors circulating through text messages and social media that the persons responsible (in Hilongos explosion) are in Tacloban City is baseless,” said Police Eastern Visayas Regional Director Elmer Beltejar.
The text message that has been circulating also warned people to avoid crowded places where bombs would possibly be planted.
But Beltejar said the police are on top of the situation and have undertaken proactive measures to ensure the security and safety of the public.
More policemen have been deployed on the streets and in places of convergence such as malls, terminals, ports and public markets in Tacloban City.
“The PNP leadership calls for the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious-looking persons in the area, as it is inherent on each and every one to safeguard the community against lawlessness,” said Beltejar.
About 500 people gathered at Hilongos town plaza to watch an amateur boxing match on December 28 when two improvised explosive devices went off around 9:30 p.m., wounding 35 people. The attack spoiled the town’s annual fiesta celebration.
Police said the explosions in Hilongos might have been carried out by a drug personality now detained at the Baybay City sub provincial jail in Leyte. (PNA)