PRO-6 on alert against bombing spillover in WV

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Even in the absence of any threat, the Police Regional Office-6 said that it has been bracing for any attack, either from terrorists or local criminal group.

Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., PRO-6 director, said DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP chief Director General Allan Purisima have sent directives to intensify the alert status “so that we would be responsive to any eventuality even if the bombings happened in Mindanao.”

The PRO-6 however has not received any intelligence information or report of any threat in Western Visayas, said Cruz, adding that subordinate units were already reminded to adopt the three-tiered system in response to any threat.

The system is a strategic measure that involves intelligence, target hardening, and incident management. “It is a pro-active measure. We want to be forewarned in case we received any threat,” Cruz said, as he told policemen to intensify the conduct of checkpoints and patrols.

Cruz said they are also coordinating with security agencies guarding areas of convergence and vital installations, while close security monitoring has been carried out in tourists spots, particularly Boracay Island in Aklan province.

Coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard, the PNP Maritime Group, and the Aviation Security Group (ASG) have been done further by monitoring seaports and airports that might be used as transshipment points of contraband and explosives. “We asked them to maximize the use of their K9 units,” said Cruz. (FREEMAN)