Lobregat asks police, TFZ to strengthen watch
Mayor Celso Lobregat yesterday ordered the police and Task Force Zamboanga to beef up security in all areas in the city in the light of the series of bombing incidents in other cities and provinces the past few days.
Lobregat yesterday afternoon met with Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Santiago Baluyut and OIC City Police Director Col. Sappii Sapal and other concerned authorities to discuss measures to thwart any plans by lawless elements.
On Sunday, a powerful bomb exploded in front of the Cotabato Cathedral killing 5 people including a Zamboangueña, Ruby Ramirez and injuring 28 others. Yesterday, a bomb went off in front of the cathedral in Jolo, Sulu and several hours after, another explosive devise went off in Iligan City.
Lobregat on Monday called Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema to express his condolences as well as to facilitate arrangements for the transfer of the body of Ramirez from Cotabato to Zamboanga. Yesterday, after learning of the incidents in Jolo and Iligan, the chief executive immediately contacted Mayor Hussin Amin of Jolo and Mayor Lawrence Cruz of Iligan to also express sympathies for the tragic incidents and to briefly discuss about preventive measures.
“We’ve been in touch with the mayors concerned and we will keep constant touch”, Mayor Lobregat said in an interview. “We will give specific instructions to our police and military in the city to ensure that all necessary measures are in place”.
The other day, authorities, through a tip from a bus company worker, discovered components of an improvised explosive devise that were left unattended under a seat of a provincial bus several hours after it arrived from Pagadian.
The mayor said the devise was yet to be attached with other components when discovered. “We don’t know who planted it but the plan (of the malefactors) was foiled”.
Lobregat, who heads the City Peace and Order Council also called on the local residents to remain alert and vigilant and to cooperate and support the authorities in their anti-terrorism and anti-crime campaigns.
He stressed that the authorities are doing everything possible to keep the city safe but the cooperation of all sectors is necessary. (Sheila Covarrubias)