The Public Safety Security Command Center (PSSCC) is intensifying its intelligence monitoring in Davao city following the bombing in Jolo, Sulu on Sunday.
PSSCC head Benito de Leon said this step is in line with the order of Mayor Sara Z. Duterte-Carpio to review security measures in the city to prevent the same incident which killed 20 people and injured scores others.
De Leon said the PSCC is coordinating with the Eastern Mindanao Command, Police Regional Office 11 and National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to gather more information. He added that there are security measures being implemented but he will not reveal the particulars, saying that terrorists are also observing them.
“I would like to assure the people of Davao that what had happened in Jolo has been taken seriously into consideration by our planners so that preparations and protocols are being in place,” he said.
This means, hightened security operations will be implemented in the city.
Meanwhile, PRO 11 director Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales said he instructed all police commanders to establish and strengthen checkpoints in the cities and municipalities in Davao Region more strictly to preempt any diversionary attack by the terrorist groups.
Morales said there will be deployment of maximum number of foot and mobile patrols particularly in highly populated areas.
He also told the chiefs of police to coordinate with the security managers to establish and enhance joint security protocols.
“We call on our people to be vigilant and continue their active participation with security forces in reporting their observations since we cannot afford to take chances whenever there is a threat of a terrorist activity,” he said.
He reminded the people that counter-terrorism measure is a shared responsibility of the people and the government. “Rest assured that the PNP will leave no stones unturned to bring justice to the victims of this dastardly act of terrorism,” he said.
