CV’s top cop wants“zero incident” during 51st IEC

CEBU, Philippines – The director of the Police Regional Office-7 is aiming for “zero” untoward incidents during the upcoming 51st International Eucharistic Congress in January 2016.

Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said they will see to it that all participants of the big religious event will be safe even from petty crimes.

“That’s why we have a sub-task group on anti-criminality for these petty crimes. Zero incident dapat,” he said.

Gaerlan said they are preparing hard for the activity so that they could provide not just security but also assure the participants’ safety.

“We have to see to it that all persons attending (the IEC) will be safe. For example, no stampede shall occur and among others,” he said.

So far, PRO-7 has not received any threat to the event, but assured that they would not be complacent.

Gaerlan also said that if ever there are dangers, he and his men will make sure that terrorists and other lawless elements could not enter Central Visayas by tightening security in airports, seaports and bus terminals.

“Dadaan din sila sa butas ng karayom,” he promised.

Meanwhile, DOT-7 Director Rowena Montecilla said that the IEC, Sinulog, and the ASEAN Tourist and Forum in Manila, in which candidates are expected to come to Cebu, Bohol, Negros and Siquijor, would be a big boost for tourism in the region.

DOT-7 and PRO-7 held a coordinating conference yesterday to discuss concerns regarding preparations for the IEC.

“There are so many events during the same schedule (January) so we have to prepare; that is why meetings are now called so that the other agencies will support through whatever their mandates are,” said Montecilla.

In particular, she said that unlike during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Cebu recently, when complaints on high hotel rates were raised, the same problem does not exist as of the moment.

She said IEC organizers have already coordinated with the private sector and have now secured accreditation with Cebu City hotels.  — Ma. Fatima R. Secuya/RHM (FREEMAN)