ILOILO City – No terrorism-related threats targeting Western Visayas have been monitored, according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Even then, people should remain watchful, said Police Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, regional police director.
He issued the statement following Monday’s suicide bombing in Jolo, Sulu that killed 15 people and wounded 75 others.
“I encourage everyone to be more vigilant. Currently, the whole of Western Visayas is under Terrorism Threat Level 1 which means we have not monitored threats,” said Pamuspusan.
Still, the police and the general public could do more to reduce the chances of terrorist attacks, he stressed.
Pamuspusan said the public should keep in mind the following:
* Keep an eye on suspicious situations or personalities. Alert the authorities about suspicious persons, unattended baggage, etc.
* Be more vigilant when in places of convergence such as malls and transport terminals. These are the usual targets of terrorists.
* When visiting buildings or enclosed spaces, always check the emergency exits.
* Never leave your belongings unattended.
“Terrorists aim to sow fear among people and get the attention of the international media by destroying innocent lives and properties. The more we are afraid, the more they will prevail,” said Pamuspusan.
WV BOLSTERS POLICE FORCE
To ensure peace and order across Western Visayas and counter terrorists, the PRO-6 hired 356 more police officers.
After going through vigorous screening and selection process, these new recruits took their oath of office at the Regional Training Center (RTC) 6 in Bacolod City.
Pamuspusan reminded them that the salaries they will receive entail commitment to work.
The 356 new of police officers are composed of 292 males and 64 females.
The oath-taking ceremony was simultaneously done virtually with no less than General Archie Francisco Gamboa, the Philippine National Police (PN) director general, officiating.
After taking oath, these patrolmen and women will undergo the Public Safety Basic Recruit Course (PSBRC) for six months at RTC 6 and will be followed by another six months of Field Training Program (FTP) which will qualify them for permanency.
They will be receiving a basic monthly salary of P29,668 aside from allowances and other benefits.
“I challenge everyone (the recruits) to prove to us that you are all worthy of joining the PNP organization. Wear our uniform with vigor, strong will and determination,” said Pamuspusan.
COASTGUARD ON RED ALERT
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Occidental hoisted a red alert status yesterday in the wake of the Jolo bombings.
Lieutenant Commander Jansen Benjamin, chief of PCG-Negros Occidental, said the heightened alert was in compliance with the directives of the Coast Guard national headquarters and Transportation secretary Arthur Tugade.
“We have intensified security border check in all major ports in Negros Occidental,” Benjamin said.
These include the Bredco port in Bacolod City, as well as the harbors in the northern cities of San Carlos, Escalante and Sagay.
On Monday, Admiral George Ursabia Jr., PCG commandant, declared the “red alert” for PCG stations in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.
Coastguard personnel will also support the forces of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police in investigating the bombings. (With a report from the Philippine News Agency/PN)
