RPOC: “Do Not Pass Unverified Text on Terror Attacks'”

Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado urged the public not to pass text messages warning the community to refrain from visiting commercial malls due to possible suicide bombings in the wake of the Davao blast.

“We appeal to the public to help government counteract the disinformation by not passing the same text creating undue panic and chaos,” said Aumentado who presided the recent emergency meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-7).

The meeting was called to discuss the current peace and order situation in the region following the Davao explosion at the Roxas Night Market last Friday night that killed at least 14 people and left over 60 injured.

Aumentado said we must heed the advisories of the authorities rather than believe in the text that is being circulated around.

The issue cropped up after Asteria Caberte, director of the Department of Trade and Industry -7 said that she received a text message about an intelligence report on four women from Basilan plotting to do suicide bombings in Cebu malls and to pass on the message.

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, regional director of the Police Regional Office (PRO-7), however, said there is no intelligence report about it and that the message needs to be verified.

“We should not immediately believe the information although all text warnings on terror threats would be verified,” said Taliño adding that however, the public should be extra cautious after the Davao tragedy.

Aumentado also requested the local government units to take part in normalizing the situation by asking the community to keep watch but not to spread fear and cause panic.

“We need to stay vigilant, keep clam and report immediately to the proper authorities on suspicious activities or people within our area,” said Aumentado. (rmn/fcr/PIA7)