No bomb threat in Cordi; police intensify operations

By Redjie Melvic Cawis

BAGUIO CITY – Following the Davao City blast which killed 14 persons,  regional police director Chief Supt. Elmo Francis Sarona said there is threat of such occurring in Baguio City and Cordillera but police do not discount possibility of violent acts.

“Authorities are on top of the situation. We do not have threat in the Cordillera but we are not taking chances,” Sarona said. “We are just maximizing presence to ensure that everything will go smoothly and peacefully.”

Sarona called on the public not to panic and not to be alarmed of the situation and appealed for more security consciousness from the public.

The regional police office intensified operations including police visibility to ensure safety and security of the public following the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Duterte placing the whole country under  “State of national emergency on account of lawless violence.”

Sarona and Baguio City police chief Senior Supt. George Daskeo led the inspection of  key areas in the city and placement of checkpoints last week.

The PNP officials met with officials of the Philippine Air Force - Tactical Operations Group 1 led by its commander Col. Onorlie Brillantes and inspected a giant mall chain and bus terminals in the central business district.

The PNP and AFP officials also conducted dialogue with security officers of establishments and transport sector and cited need to conduct operations and placement of additional police officers as partners of the security personnel.

The group also met with with security officers to ensure security measures are  coordinated with police.

The team also inspected baggage at bus terminals using the K-9 units.