PNP Eastern Visayas sets up more checkpoints

TACLOBAN CITY, Sept. 6 (PNA) – The Philippine National Police (PNP) has established more checkpoints in Eastern Visayas after President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s proclamation of “state of lawlessness.”

Chief Supt. Elmer Beltejar has directed all six police provincial offices to set up checkpoints in strategic areas and maximize security and presence in all vital installations, malls, churches, bus terminals and all places of convergence.

“I instructed all provincial directors and chiefs of police to be vigilant, check and validate all activities in all units and double police visibilities in their areas,” Beltejar said in a statement.

The police regional chief told the public to stay calm and assured them that the police is handling the situation carefully in coordination with the Philippine Army.

“Likewise, the public is encouraged to be vigilant at all times and to report to the police any suspicious persons, activities and unusual occurrences in public such as boxes and bags left unattended, people checking areas or buildings, people trying to enter secure areas, or people at events wearing too much clothing, or any untoward incidents and crime situations,” Beltejar added.

In Tacloban City, the regional capital, the local police office has deployed more cops to airports, transit hubs and to crowded areas of the city.

“There is no known terror threat to the city, however, we are beefing up security in some strategic locations, deploying uniformed and non-uniformed policemen in compliance to the President’s directive,” said city police chief Supt. Rolando Bade Jr.

Bade urged bus drivers, conductors and commuters to be on the lookout for some suspicious behavior of people, and unattended packages in terminals.

“And if someone or something seems suspicious, don’t hesitate to contact local authorities as soon as possible,” he said.

President Duterte declared the state of lawlessness after the explosion at the Davao City night market on Sept. 2, that left 14 dead and 68 wounded.

The declaration simply means that more soldiers and policemen will now be deployed, government will set up more checkpoints, and impose, if needed, curfews in certain areas.

The 1987 Constitution allows the Chief Executive to call on the armed forces "to prevent or suppress lawless violence."

Section 18, Article VII of the Philippine Constitution states: "The President shall be the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines and whenever it becomes necessary, he may call out such armed forces to prevent or suppress lawless violence, invasion or rebellion."

The entire police force in Eastern Visayas is now under full alert status in connection with the bombing incident in Davao City.

“All unit commanders were directed to strengthen and fortify all police stations /detachments and camps and be alert for possible attack likewise to coordinate with all intelligence and friendly units in their areas,” Beltejar added.

The PNP asked the public not to speculate anything and not create passing, misleading information to avoid confusion, but encourages the public to be vigilant at all times. (PNA)
FPV/SARWELL Q. MENIANO & JAZMIN BONIFACIO/EGR