‘No Cause For Alarm; Cebu is Safe’ – PNP, AFP

Law enforcement officials assured that Cebu is safe and secure following allegations of security threats particularly in southern Cebu.

Officials from the Police Regional Office (PRO-7) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) met with Gov. Hilario P. Davide III today during the emergency meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) at Capitol.

Police officials during the meeting confirmed that there is no truth to allegations of presence of terrorist groups in Cebu.

The US Embassy in Manila on Nov. 3 issued a security alert for US citizens warning of risk of kidnapping in southern Cebu, “specifically the areas around Dalaguete and Santander (to include Sumilon Island).”

But PRO-7 Director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“There is nothing to worry about. The government is on top of the situation. We assure the public and the tourists that they are safe in Cebu and in the region,” Taliño said during the council meeting.

Although there is no direct threat to security in Cebu, PNP and AFP still implemented integrated security measures in key areas particularly in southern Cebu towns.

More security personnel have been deployed to support the police forces in the southern Cebu local government units (LGUs), including the wharfs and ports in Sandanter, Oslob.

Philippine Army has put in place standby forces that can be deployed rapidly anytime in case of emergencies, according to P/SSupt. Rey Lyndon Lawas, deputy director for operations of PRO-7.

Cebu Provincial Police Director, Sr. Supt. Eric Noble, have also visited tourist areas in southern Cebu, including Sumilon Island, to inspect the ports and talk to tourist police and local security forces about the security measures being implemented in the area.

“Cebu is the safest place in the Philippines now,” said Noble during his briefing at the PPOC meeting.
Also present during the meeting were resort owners and mayors from southern Cebu towns.

Noble said they are set to meet with resort owners to solicit their support to the heightened security measures as well as the anti-drugs campaign of the Philippine National Police (PNP). (rmn/PIA7-Cebu)