CDO, Misor step up security measures after Iligan twin bombings

December 28, 2008

By Lizanilla J. Amarga

Security measures in Cagayan de Oro city and that of the Province of Misamis Oriental were stepped up in response to the twin bombing in Iligan City late Thursday that killed two persons and injured around 40 others.

4^th Infantry Division spokesperson Maj. Michelle Anayron told Gold Star Daily that they have immediately deployed some of their men in Camp Evangelista to specific areas as soon as reports of the twin bombing incident were received.

He voiced strong suspicions that the incident was the result of some groups which have members who forged a “tactical alliance” with the communist groups.

Anayron said this as the twin bombing in Iligan City may have some relation to the upcoming Dec. 26 anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

“If naa gani mobuto sab sa Caraga region, confirmed na gyud mao grabe among bantay karon…although mo-admit gyud kami nga dili namo mabantayan ang tanan,” he said.

Anayron said they have already anticipated the communist group’s moves as early as the last week of November.

He said the members of their intelligence team even had their Christmas party and short break first week of December to be ready and on the ground by the following week.

Also, he added that the military had laid down “preventive measures” even including putting out their bomb sniffing dogs, “unscheduled checkpoints” and has posted men in every entry and exit points of the city such as its ports and terminals.

Anayron admitted that the peace and order situation of Cagayan de Oro city is due to the local government leaders who have been able to reach across adverse parties and bring them together.

He said armed insurgent groups have since considered Cagayan de Oro as an “open city” and as such it has been spared.

“But there is no guarantee that this time Cagayan de Oro city will be spared which is why we are asking the help of everyone to be vigilant always,” he said.

He added that they are soon to meet with Cagayan de Oro City mayor Constantino Jaraula and Misamis Oriental Gov. Oscar Moreno to update these leaders of the current situation.

Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) director Isagani Genabe, Jr. said the police officers have been on alert particularly the start of the Roman Catholic’s traditional “Simbang Gabi” or Nine Mornings.

He said they have also deployed men to secure churches, malls and department stores as well as ports and terminals.

He added that their explosives ordnance division and bomb sniffing dogs are now on patrol.

However, Bulua Integrated Westbound Bus and Public Utility Jeepney Terminal officer Boy Damasing told dxIF Bombo Radyo yesterday at around 9:30 a.m. that he has not seen any police officer in their terminal.

Meanwhile, Jaraula and Moreno are asking the general public not to panic but to remain vigilant.

“Hinaut nga dili kita diri masudlan,” Jaraula said

Moreno for his part emphasized on how the peace and safety of the city and province is “everyone’s concern.”

Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro vice-mayor Vicente Emano said the twin bombings in Iligan City is something that has surprised and even confused him.

He said there was no reason to initiate such an attack considering that the peace process between the government and the insurgent groups are ongoing and that the peace panels are even being reconstituted.

“Hag-as lang ni dili masabot,” he said.

Emano said he is expecting Jaraula to meet with the local leaders of the community from the business groups to the Lumads and Muslim associations.

He said this as these groups have special men who might just be able to negotiate with those responsible for the Iligan twin blasts to spare Cagayan de Oro city.

Still, he added that police visibility should be increased and that he has already given out some suggested areas that law enforcers might look out for.

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Written by admin · Filed Under Cagayan de Oro