On presence of terrorists in Cebu: Tourism exec, biz group officials want Ouano revelation verified

Top officials of the Department of Tourism and the Cebu Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry have called on authorities to verify, and not disregard, Mandue City Mayor Thadeo Ouano's revelation that at least 80 terrorists are now in Cebu.

Tourism regional director Patria Aurora Roa and CFCCCI president Felomino Lim were concerned about the reports and wanted government officials and the police to conduct an investigation and see whether these are true or not.

Roa said Ouano might have revealed the intelligence report he received because he wanted authorities to look into the matter so that appropriate action would be taken.

Lim, for his part, said the mayor of one of the major cities in the country is not an ordinary source so the report should be taken seriously to warrant an investigation.

One of the most important factors in business is peace and order situation, said Lim, adding that, even if the truth later tells that there are only two terrorists, such is a matter to be concerned about. "Simbako og tinuod, bisan duha lang," he said.

Police Regional Office-7 director, C/Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr, yesterday said that the police have considered everything especially in connection with security preparations for the Asean Summit.

Alarcio said there are always threats and, without specifying if these are from terrorists, one of these are cause-oriented groups who have plans to hold protest actions that would disturb the Asean Summit and embarrass the government.

So far, the police have found no movement of terrorist groups yet, said Alarcio. "We hope we could monitor all their movements," he said. - Gregg M. Rubio