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BY RUBY P. SILUBRICO
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Wednesday, May 31, 2017
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ILOILO City – “If you see policemen on the streets, it’s not because we’re under martial law. We’re just intensifying our police presence.”
Chief Superintendent Cesar Hawthorne Binag, Western Visayas acting police director, made this clarification just in case the maximized presence of police officers has confused or upset some people.
“Region 6 is not under Martial Law. It is in Minadanao only, and that’s because of the ongoing security crisis in Marawi City,” said Binag.
The mobilization of policemen aimed to maintain peace and order and discourage criminal elements from striking, he clarified.
Binag led a special meeting of the Regional Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Council (RJPSCC) yesterday in Camp Delgado, the headquarters of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6). The attendees included representatives from the Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, Military Intelligence Group, and Hand the Sea Port Police.
Binag reiterated the PRO-6’s previous pronouncement that it had not monitored any terrorist threat in the region.
Still, Ilonggos should remain vigilant and right away alert the police for any security concern, he stressed.
The PRO-6 has made available two mobile phone numbers where citizens can call or text their concerns – 09498833741 (Smart) and 09275943753 (Globe).
Marawi City was attacked by the Maute terrorist group Tuesday last week. President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under martial rule to contain the violence. Today is the seventh day of fighting between the armed group and government forces.
“We appeal to everyone to stay united and calm. Let us stop spreading doubts, rumors and criticisms that do not help resolve conflicts,” said Binag.
The police director dismissed as a prank the text messages circulating about the presence of Maute group members in Western Visayas.
Binag placed the PRO-6 on full alert beginning Tuesday last week. He sent additional security personnel in seaports and airports.
“Gusto lang natin makasiguro na walang makapasok na terorista sa area natin,” said Binag./PN
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