MANILA, Sept. 8 – In the aftermath of the September 2 Davao blast, Secretary Ismael ‘Mike’ Sueno of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is calling on all local chief executives (LCEs) to give full support to the security efforts of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the establishment of necessary security mechanisms to protect the public from the threats of terrorists and lawless elements.
Sueno said LCEs should closely coordinate with the AFP and PNP in implementing appropriate security measures “to deter, prevent or suppress any threats from the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf or any other group that poses threat to law, public safety and peace and order.” “Huwag nating hayaang sirain ng mga Abu Sayyaf o anumang grupo ang ating mga sinimulang pagbabago.
Magtulungan tayo para pigilan ang kanilang kalapastanganan sa ating bansa,” he said. The ASG has earlier claimed responsibility for the bombing in a night market in Davao City, which claimed 14 lives and injured more than 60. The group pointed to an ally, Daulat Ul Islamiya, who carried out the bomb attack.
The DILG Chief said governors and mayors should also assess the need to convene their respective Peace and Order Councils (POCs) in order to discuss and carry out plans of action to ensure the safety and security of the populace.
“Ang pangunahing konsiderasyon natin ay ang publiko. Wala na sanang inosenteng mamamayan ang madamay pa sa paghahasik ng kaguluhan ng mga teroristang grupo,” he said.
He said he has already instructed the PNP to conduct check points in key areas of the country, especially those where a large number of people converge like terminals, markets, piers, among others. He further advised the public to exercise prudence and calmness in the light of the recent tragic incident.
“Maging alerto at mapagbantay po tayo. Ipagbigay-alam po agad natin sa mga otoridad kung may mga kahina-hinalang tao o pangyayari sa ating komunidad,” the Secretary added. Sueno reiterated that the government is in full control of the situation but the public still plays a big role in winning against the threat groups.
He likewise instructed all DILG regional and field officials to provide technical assistance and closely coordinate with the local chief executives in their areas of responsibilities especially at this particular time when there are threats to peace and order.
In his earlier advisory, the DILG Secretary pointed out that his office released an advisory to various field offices especially in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu regarding the possible diversionary tactics of the terror group Abu Sayyaf. (DILG)