Bacolod City – In the wake of the bombing incident at a state university in Mindanao, all the Philippine Army units in Western and Central Visayas have been ordered to implement proactive security and target hardening measures to prevent a similar occurrence in the 3rd Infantry Division area of responsibility.
In a statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, 3ID commander, directed them to intensify intelligence gathering and monitoring on the existence of extremists and other lawless terrorist groups and to closely coordinate with all stakeholders and partner agencies, including the Philippine National Police (PNP), to strengthen counter-terrorism operations in order to address potential threats.
Sison specifically mentioned places of convergence and conveyances, such as tourist spots, malls, places of worship, airport and seaports, transport terminals, public markets, and school premises, among others, as these are likely targets due to heavy foot traffic.
The recent bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi, Lanao del Sur claimed the lives of four persons, and injured about 50 others.
The Philippine National Police disclosed recently that the blast on Sunday is not the work of suicide bombers.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said one of two persons of interests (POI) is a local terrorist.
Sison also called upon the public to be vigilant, and enjoined them to report to authority suspicious individuals and activities.
In doing so, we can effectively thwart potential acts of terror and prevail over those who seek to destroy our peace, he added.
Amidst this tragic incident, let us not allow fear to grip and limit us from doing our daily activities, Sison stressed. (Gilbert Bayoran via TVDS; photo by TVDS)