Mayors step up security at ports

CEBU, Philippines - Authorities are beefing up security measures in some ports in the towns, particularly in San Remigio and Sta. Fe in northern Cebu, as part of the preparations for the Holy Week.

San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez said his town has requested for K-9 units to be deployed at the port in Barangay Hagnaya.

He said these well-trained dogs will help prevent any contraband such as drugs or guns from entering and passing through their town.

Martinez did not discount the possibility that unscrupulous individuals will take advantage of the Holy Week to do their illegal activities, adding that criminals have become sophisticated that they cannot be caught in just a simple, one-round inspection.

The Hagnaya port at the Hagnaya Wharf provides frequent ferry services to Bantayan Island, a popular tourist destination during the Holy Week. The island’s port is located in the town of Sta. Fe.

Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana said the municipality has created barangay intelligence network in its 10 villages that will alert the police for unfamiliar and suspicious looking persons in the town.

He said they also formed an emergency response team in collaboration with the town's rural health unit that will provide immediate health assistance in support to their existing medical facilities.

The two towns are also maintaining their own CCTVs (closed-circuit televisions) for 24-hour monitoring.

Both mayors are asking for augmentation force to be positioned in their ports.

Police Superintendent Anthony Bagarinao, deputy director for administration at the Cebu Provincial Police Office, assured that additional police personnel will be deployed to these areas to boost security and ensure safety of passengers.

He said this ancillary force is set to be detailed for the Holy Week observance while they are also coordinating with the Philippine Coast Guard local stations for the deployment of K-9 units. —/JMD (FREEMAN)