PRO 7 Monitoring All Ports in Central Visayas

The Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 is monitoring all the ports in Central Visayas, including those owned by private entities, to prevent contraband, including illegal drugs and bomb, from entering the island, an official said Tuesday.

PRO 7 Director Chief Superintendent Noli Taliño said the monitoring will prevent the happening of a deadly blast similar to what occurred in a Davao City night market last Friday that killed 14 people and injured 71 others.

Talino said the Philippine Coast Guard was also directed to watch over the seas and ships.

Commander Agapito Bibat of the Cebu Coast Guard Station said they have increased security in Cebu ports, especially in the two biggest passengers terminals at the Cebu City port.

Drug and bomb-sniffing dogs are also deployed at the passenger terminals, Bibat said.

All carry-on baggages of passengers have to pass through X-rays while passengers are frisked for any weapons, he said.

The Cebu Ports Authority also volunteered to man the private ports.

The PRO 7 and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command (AFP-Centcom) are still under full alert. (PNA) LAP/EB/EDS