Published by the Bohol Standard
By: Rey Anthony Chiu
BOHOL is under a heightened security alert over intelligence reports from region 12 that a band of Abu Sayyaf bandits head here to kidnap foreign nationals.
While the police and military authorities received the report which has been negative since last Monday, Bohol police provincial commander Constantino Barot urges people to help them get information on time so that security operatives and crime busters can immediately react.
Speaking reassurances of a prepared force amid speculations and alarm, Barot stressed that information gathering is everyone’s responsibility.
Sharing their preparations based on the reports, Barot also added that his men are in fact acting on other reports that armed men have landed in some coastlines of Mabini, italicizing the adequate preparations by strategically relocating its resources where they are most needed.
Upon receipt of the texted report about the coming of a double engined speedboat with Abus Sayyaf on board, he said he immediately called a conference with police forces of Panglao, Dauis and Public Safety Company to map out action plans.
Consequently, additional troops were sent to Panglao and the local tourist police office has been beefed up to allow deployment of security forces in strategic points, he said.
Highlighting the lack of manpower, Barot revealed that in coordination with other government security forces, the Philippine Navy has sent a patrol boat in Balicasag, one of the islands habituated by foreign and local torists making authorities concerned.
He also added that a Regional Mobile Group detachment (RMG) would be deployed to replace the security operations in Pamilacan island, which is temporarily handled by Baclayon police elements.
Over the question of whether government sea assets can really go after the sleek and mainstreamed speedboats used by illegal elements, he said the Regional intelligence and Investigation Division has coordinated with the Air Force, who in turn has committed an attack helicopter and a utility chopper for the security operations.
On the fact that bandits may be hitting other areas in Bohol, Barot said he has declared a heightened alert around the province including beach resorts in Pitogo and Anda.
Another intelligence agent shared that before getting to Bohol, the band of bandits would be tracked by security operations set up by the provinces of Dumaguete and Siquijor.
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Topic: Bohol Stays Alert Against Abu Threat (Read 875 times)