Lack of metal detectors, K-9s hampers Agusan cops’ efforts

NASIPIT, Agusan del Norte — Like in other places, police at this seaport town are on heightened alert, especially after receiving bomb threats from suspected communist rebels Thursday.

Strict security measures are now in place particularly at the Nasipit port, among the busiest in the Caraga region, where domestic and international cargo and passenger vessels dock.

Police are also guarding the power barge of the National Power Corp. at the Nasipit port, which, for years now, has been supplying electricity whenever Napocor’s power lines from the Maria Cristina Falls are down.

Some vital communications facilities are also located here.

But police officials admitted that their efforts to guard these vital installations as well as public areas such as bus and jeepney terminals and crowded business establishments, are hampered by the lack of metal detectors and bomb-sniffing dogs.

Even the busy airport in neighboring Butuan City, they bewailed, has no bomb-sniffing dogs.

In October 2000, a bomb exploded inside a Butuan-bound Bachelor bus, killing three passengers and wounding 11 others.

Minutes later, an explosion ripped through an LCI bus leaving its terminal in Surigao City in neighboring Surigao del Norte, resulting in four deaths and injuries to 10 others.

No suspects have been arrested in the twin bombings.