BY GLENDA TAYONA and RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO City – Proactive security measures are now in effect at the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, Iloilo following the deadly twin bombing incident in a Catholic church in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday. “This is our way of target hardening for acts of terrorism if there is any,” said airport supervisor Arthur Parreño.
The Iloilo International Airport caters to 60 domestic and international flights daily, accommodating around 4,000 inbound and outbound passengers.
Parreño said the possible spillover of terror attacks in Iloilo forced them to heighten their security measures, like having a “thorough” inspection at the entrance and main gates.
“The reporting system of our security guards was also enhanced,” the airport official added.
Passengers entering the check-in area on the ground floor will undergo “stricter” inspection. Such measure will be observed up until they reach the boarding gates.
“All unauthorized items will be confiscated,” Parreño said.
He added that they also reinforced their closed-circuit television camera personnel.
They will be the “eye in the sky watching all over the airport vicinity,” according to Parreño.
The airport official also reminded outbound passengers to be early, at least two hours before their flights, “in case there are problems.”
“We invoke and request all passengers, especially those with cargo baggage, to come early. There might be traffic congestion at the gates because of our tight inspection,” Parreño added.
Meanwhile, the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines vowed to protect Western Visayas from terror attacks.
Major General Dinoh Dolina, 3ID commander, said yesterday that they will closely monitor the waters of Visayas and all points of entry and exit in the region in coordination with other law enforcement agencies following the Jolo blast that killed at least 21 people and hurt 100 others.
“We are one with the Filipino people in condemning to the strongest possible terms the inhumane and barbaric act that claimed the lives of innocent civilians including our fellow soldiers,” said Dolina.
He added that they “will double their efforts to suppress any terror attempt that would jeopardize the peace and security situation in the region.”
Dolina also encouraged Muslim communities to coordinate with the government forces in guarding Region 6.
On the other hand, the Police Regional Office 6 received reports that there are members of the Islamic State (ISIS) in the region.
Social media posts and text messages said ISIS-affiliated groups from Mindanao plan to perpetuate terror attacks in Western Visayas, particularly at Jaro Plaza.
But when verified, these reports turned out fake, according to regional police director Chief Superintendent John Bulalacao.
“Western Visayas is a peaceful place and we have to do our best to protect the people from any harm,” Bulalacao assured./PN
