Lots of monitoring, but no confirmation: Abu bandits here?

CEBU, Philippines - Police said they are now continuously monitoring after receiving reports alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf entered Cebu.

Superintendent Julian Entoma, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division-7, said on Friday they received informa-tion from their counterparts in Mindanao that four to six alleged members of the bandit group left their area, entered Dumaguete, and were heading to Cebu.

Acting on the information, he alerted their personnel in Central Visayas especially in Cebu City.

On Sunday, they again received information from their counterpart that the men were sighted back in Mindanao.

However, he said they are not being complacent. Entoma believes the reason went to Central Visayas to kidnap prominent personalities and foreigners for ransom.

He encouraged the people in Central Visayas as well as the Muslim communities in the region to report to them if they see new people in their community who are suspicious, but so far the Muslim communities in Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Talisay City and Cebu City, have given no such reports.

The chief security of malls, lodging houses and others were also alerted by the Police Regional Office-7.

"Ang Cebu City g'yud among gipalihok og maayo. We utilized our personnel sa region to assist Cebu City," he said.

The bandits were allegedly from Dapitan and led by a certain "Commander Messiah".

Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña also asking assistance from the Muslim community to cooperate with the government agencies in monitoring the possible entry and whereabouts of Abu Sayyaf bandits in the city.

In a press conference, Osmeña said the public should also get involved in reporting suspicious strangers in their vicinity.

"So, we're asking the local Muslim community palihug lang, tabangi sad mi. We always accepted the Muslims in Cebu. Just help us also," he told reporters.

Osmeña said reports of the presence of the bandit group's members here is a serious matter.

"I cannot evaluate the basis how alarming. But the fact that there are words going around means it's alarming," he added.

Osmeña said it's very hard to deal with this problem since he does not have his police officers who were transferred to other regions and provinces.

Meanwhile, Councilor David Tumulak said the public should cooperate in the checkpoints of the police officers and militaries. He also urged the AFP and PNP to be alert at all times to maintain peace and order.

"Especially karon nga hapit na ang All Souls' Day and All Saints' Day, ug ang pasko, dapat alerto ang kapulisan ug ang publiko kanunay g'yud," he said.

Staff Member

Only Governor Hilario Davide III doubted reports the bandit group members are here.

"I doubt that. That is only tsismis," Davide said, adding he has not received information yet about the bandits coming to Cebu.

Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, deputy commander of the Central Command, said the members of the bandit group are still in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi area based on military intelligence reports.

"Wa man sila mohawa. Pero di lang ta magkompyansa," he said.

He said intelligence personnel have already been alerted in their respective areas.

Arrojado was with Davide in Bantayan Island yesterday for the Capitol's caravan of services.

Lieutenant Colonel Luzmindo Mamauag, Central Command public information officer, confirmed that the Armed Forces of the Philippines also received similar reports.

He said they immediately heightened alert status and directed their units to intensify security operations over the weekend while in the process of validating the reports.

He said they have also issued reminders to their subordinate units to step up intelligence collection efforts and anti-terrorism activities such as checkpoints, K9 patrols, and visibility in urban areas.

Nothing to worry about

Senior Superintendent Joel Doria, Cebu City Police Office Director, said they are joining efforts to monitor and validate reports. He said they are currently on full alert status in preparation for All Saints' Day and that areas of convergence are being secured.

He urged the public to remain calm but cautious about their surroundings.

"Nothing to worry po, just be vigilant and report any suspicious looking person and/or unattended package to the nearest police office," he said. — with Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Kristine B. Quintas, and Michael Vencynth H. Braga (FREEMAN)