Digal on terror threat: "We're ready"

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) Director Erson Digal said they are ready to sacrifice their lives to protect Cebu province from threats of terrorism.

That, as the Korean ambassador expressed confidence on Cebu's security amidst travel advisories issued against the Philippines. 

Korean Ambassador Lee Hye Min met with Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday. 

"Cebu is the safest in the Philippines…I feel comfortable with the security situation in Cebu… Cebu has a good track record on security," the ambassador said.

Digal said that even if they are not on red alert status he still ordered all chiefs of police in component cities and municipalities to be alert all the time, especially after reports came in that another group of terrorists from Mindanao will be coming over in Cebu.He already coordinated with 78th Infantry Battalion Commander Nolasco Mempin to secure the mountain areas from terrorists. Public Information Officer Captain Allan Cuizon, for his part, will coordinate with the Muslim leaders in Cebu.

Deputy Regional Director for Operations Sr. Supt. Louie Oppus also said that among the provinces in Central Visayas, Cebu could be a possible target for terrorism because of its good economic condition and several exit points. During their closed door meeting Thursday, Oppus instructed the Central Visayas police force to be ready in case of crisis and to continue conducting checkpoints as preemptive measure.

Also yesterday, Digal said they received information that members of the National People's Army in Negros Occidental and Iloilo plan to meet at Barangay Kabankalan, Tuburan.

The grandson of a certain Commander Kumilang is going to head the group, according to the tip they received. - Ria Mae Y. Booc and Ryan Christopher J. Sorote, USJ-R Masscom Intern/JPM (FREEMAN)