Cebu police alert up

THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) will be on heightened alert today as part of the PNP’s nationwide security preparations in connection with President Aquino’s 4th State of the Nation Address (Sona).

Senior Supt. Mariano Natu-el Jr., chief of police of Cebu City, said policemen will be deployed in Malacañang sa Sugbo, Fuente Osmeña and Colon Street where activists are expected to stage rallies.

Natu-el however, expects the situation in Cebu City to be peaceful.

“Sama sa naandan sauna, walay mga threats, mingaw ra ta (Just like in past Sonas, there are no threats, it will just be slow day for us),” he said.

Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo, officer-in-charge of Police Regional Office (PRO) 7, has already alerted all units to monitor threat-groups, such as the New People’s Army (NPA).

“So far, we didn’t receive any intelligence reports that attacks will be made,” he said.

Cerbo said they are prepared to launch counter-attacks against imminent threats and stop violent rallies.

He assured the public the police in urban areas in Central Visayas, especially in Cebu City, are all set. “We are always ready for any acts of protests,” Cerbo said.  /Correspondent Norman V. Mendoza