Heightened security in Cebu after Davao City bombing

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebuanos are advised to stay home as local, military and police officials raised full alert  following the bombing in Davao City that killed 16 persons.

Mandaue City Mayor Luigi Quisumbing asked the public to limit all “non-essential visits” to public places for the time being.

“The PNP (Philippine National Police) will also be conducting checkpoints in key areas of our road network,” he said.

Nagiel Bañacia, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRRMC) chief, also advised the public to stay at home if they didn’t have any business or work outside.

He also urged netizens to refrain from posting unofficial and unverified reports in their social media accounts to prevent panic.

Quisumbing asked the public to report any suspicious person or activity to the 911 hotline or the city’s command center.

“I would like to emphasize that there are no current threats to the city but I will also not allow any complacency,” Mayor Quisumbing said.

Security in all ports in Cebu province has been raised following the bombing in Davao, said Glenn Sarador, chief for port of police at Cebu Ports Authority (CPA) said.

“If they noticed suspected personalities, luggage and baggage please inform us right away,” Sarador said.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Cebu also augmented personnel and K9 units for additional security.

Commander Agapito Bibat, PCG Cebu station chief, said passengers should expect more inspections especially before the departure of vessels in all ports.

There will also be a lot of police checkpoints, said Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, police director for Central Visayas.

“More police patrollers are now on the streets and places of convergence like malls, terminals, airport, and seaports,” he said.

Taliño said the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas had not received any threats from groups but this should not be a reason to be complacent.

“I urged all policemen to be alert at all times and to ensure public safety and order,” he said.

Major Abel Potutan, spokesperson of the Armed Forces Central Command, said they will assist the PNP in ensuring the safety of people in the Visayas.

“Our troops are ready to support the PNP in any eventualities. We have also directed our subordinates to conduct visibility patrols on the streets,” he told the Inquirer over the phone.