Centcom downgrades to blue alert status

CEBU, Philippines - While President Rodrigo Duterte earlier warned on the possibility of more bombings after the explosion in a market in Davao City, the Central Command has downgraded their red alert status.

 Lieutenant Colonel Luzminda Mamauag, public information officer of Central Command in Central Visayas, said that while they are aware of the pronouncement of the president, he said there is no initial report of threat in Cebu reason for them to downgrade to blue alert status.

 "Kung red alert, ready mi tanan. Naa mi tanan sa kampo sulod nag-prepare whatever action himuon. Kung blue alert, pwedi mi kagawas-gawas (sa kampo), pero prepared gihapon mi," he explained.

 "Walay initial report sa Cebu, but we are prepared after gi-mention tong declaration on state of lawlessness against violence," he said, adding his colleagues are still deployed and are visible in the streets.

Mamauag also said their intelligence personnel are still very active in gathering intelligence reports.

 "Hopefully there will be no same occurrence (bombing in Davao City) here," he said, adding that there is no reason to panic, but it is best to be vigilant always.

He disclosed that they are closely working with the Philippine National Police to secure the community.

 Further, Mamauag appeals to the public to immediately report to authorities suspicious activities or people in their community. He said they may call them in their local hotline, 233-3926 or 09177017601. (FREEMAN)