TACLOBAN CITY- Stay vigilant and cooperate with the authorities.
Thus said City Vice Mayor Jerry “Sambo” Yaokasin as police and Army personnel are seen in major streets and public places in the city.
The presence of police and soldiers in these areas are due to the implementation of the state of emergency on account of lawlessness violence issued by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The proclamation stemmed from a bombing attack at the night market in Davao City, where the President once served as its mayor, last September 2 that killed 14 people and injured 71 others.
“Public safety is paramount, and I want people to know that we are working with all local authorities; remain vigilant and take all necessary measures to keep Tacloban City safe,” Yaokasin said.
“The senseless attacks that struck the people of Davao have left us all stunned and heartbroken. However, as we have seen time and again, when we are united, terror has never prevailed and never will,” the vice mayor added.
Leyte Vice Governor Carlo Loreto said that he also shares the grief of the people of Davao City saying the “injustice” committed by those responsible to the attack was also committed to the entire Filipino people.
“We reach out to the great people of Davao in this dark chapter of their history. This injustice against Davao is as much an injustice to Leyteños and Filipinos as well,” Loreto said.
Meanwhile, Army troops of 78th Infantry Battalion and Army’s Engineering Battalion joined the random vehicle checkpoints and street patrols of the police in the city streets of Tacloban.
Additional police force and military could also be seen at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport, bus terminals, San Juanico Bridge and other public and crowded places.
Tacloban City police director, S/Supt Rolando Bade Jr. said that they will continue their patrol on these areas as “as long as necessary.”
He advised the motorists to carry identification cards with them at all times to ensure that encounters with law enforcement in the streets and at the vehicle checkpoints will proceed as quickly as possible.
“We have increased our security presence and patrol around the (DZR) airport. The safety of passengers and airport personnel is our absolute priority also,” he said. (JAZMIN BONIFACIO, VICKY C.ARNAIZ)
