Emano seeks Muslims’ help versus terrorism

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Mayor Vicente Emano urged all Muslims here, regardless of their ethnic group, to help local authorities safeguard the city against terrorists.

Emano made the call following reports that the city is one of the targets of terrorists, particularly the Abu Sayyaf.

He said Muslim residents can coordinate with his office or the police and report their brothers or sisters who are planning to sow terror in the city.

Chief Inspector Antonio Montalba, acting city police chief, confirmed last Sunday that the city is one of the Abu Sayyaf’s targets for bomb attacks.

Montalba disclosed that even before suspected Abu Sayyaf members bolted the Basilan provincial jail last Saturday, his office had received intelligence reports that Cagayan de Oro is among the cities targeted by terrorists.

Among possible targets here are shopping malls, churches, bus terminals, schools, plazas, the port area, oil depot and public markets, he said.

Emano said all Cagayanons should not take these security threats lightly.

Told about the intelligence information, Emano immediately revived a composite team to help the police secure the city.

Montalba also activated at least four checkpoints in the city’s entry and exit points and three mobile checkpoints around the city.

The barangay intelligence network was also activated to help police monitor suspicious-looking individuals.

Montalba admitted that the city police alone could not do the job of safeguarding the city against terrorists, saying it should be a joint effort of all government authorities, the military, police and civilians.

During an emergency meeting last Sunday, government authorities put the entire Northern Mindanao, particularly this capital city, on red alert following the escape of suspected Abu Sayyaf men in Isabela City, Basilan.

Commander Anelito Gabisan, city chief of the Coast Guard, said it is possible that the escapees can now be hiding in coastal villages in the region.

"We cannot take this new development in stride since the terrorist threat in the entire country is for real," he said.