BY IME SORNITO & JEN BAYLON
ILOILO City – “Our security measures are in place and maintained.”
This was the assurance of Dr. Raul C. Alvarez Jr., director IV of the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Region 6, after Panay News on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 3, asked about the readiness of public and private higher education institutions (HEIs) in case of mass violence on school premises, particularly the attacks of lawless elements.
“The security systems of our HEIs here in Region 6 are in place, and I know all stakeholders concerned are prepared,” said Alvarez.
There are 157 public and private HEIs with around 370,000 students in the region.
School Blast
On Sunday, around 7:30 a.m., the public was shaken following reports of a bombing at the Dimaporo Gymnasium at Mindanao State University in Marawi City during a Catholic Mass. The explosion resulted in the deaths of four people and injuries to at least 50 others.
Classes were suspended until further notice.
Mindanao State University is “deeply saddened and appalled by the act of violence that occurred during a religious gathering,” the school posted on Facebook. “We unequivocally condemn in the strongest possible terms this senseless and horrific act.”
Security Measures of HEIs
Alvarez explained that the region’s preparedness is evident during on-the-spot inspections in schools, state universities and colleges.
He observed that security measures are maintained, which include designating security guards at entrances and exits, recording the entry of outsiders, conducting bag inspections, and using metal detectors for contraband such as knives or firearms. If the security personnel suspect an unscrupulous person, they are asked to provide an identification card or are prohibited from entering the school premises.
In fact, while Alvarez was in a phone interview with Panay News, he was at a state university and experienced first-hand the strict security; the contents of his vehicle were checked and he was asked to provide an identification card.
“We really can’t compare that, but as a matter of security, schools are definitely ready, and they do their best to protect their students from harm,” he said.
Alvarez, however, noted that the scenario, situation and culture in the Mindanao region are different compared to Region 6 based on his experience and observation after 10 years of being assigned to Cagayan de Oro and Davao.
“Indi na amo sina ang sitwasyon diri kaysa didto, so we cannot really say. We are not discounting sang amo sina nga scenario, but ang situation is not comparable. So take it from me, kay ako 10 ka tuig didto, so I could notice the sentiments of the people and ang kultura,” Alvarez added.
He was referring to the Islamic City of Marawi as a hotspot of tensions between militant groups and government forces for years.
Marawi, capital of Lanao del Sur province, was besieged by Islamist militants for five months in 2017.
Alvarez also expressed confidence in the vigilance of the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) in safeguarding students in schools.
PRO-6 Assures Safety of Western Visayas Residents
Police Major Mary Grace Borio, spokesperson for the PRO-6), told Panay News on Sunday they are prepared to protect the residents following the bombing at the Mindanao State University.
“In our region we haven’t monitored any movement from the Communist Terrorist Groups (CTGs). However, in order to preempt any untoward incidents, our regional command has directed unit commanders to monitor places of convergence, especially places of worship like churches, etc.,” said Borio.
The PRO-6 also encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities or individuals, and cooperate with the law enforcement personnel.
“Our regional director, Police Brigadier General Sydney Villaflor, urges the public to provide information if they have any knowledge about the activities of these groups [CTGs]. Any information given by the public will help us strengthen our monitoring efforts,” Borio added. (With reports from the Philippine Daily Inquirer)/PN
