PNP Chief dela Rosa confirmed the terror threats in Central Visayas.
DELA ROSA – Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ronald ‘Bato’ dela Rosa confirmed the terrorist threats in Central Visayas.
Based on a recent news report in Inquirer, the United States Embassy in Manila has earlier given warnings to its citizens to be careful in traveling to the Central Visayas.
The warning came after the embassy has received “unsubstantiated yet credible information” about the possibility that kidnappings might be conducted by the terrorist groups in Central Visayas.
The Embassy stated in the travel warning that “extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets… other public venues where large crowds gather.” It added that the citizens of U.S. should keep in mind the value of ‘taking preventive measures’ to secure their safety.
According to the news report, in a media briefing held in Camp Crame, PNP Chief dela Rosa who confirmed the terror threats said that it was from the regional director of the Police Regional Office-7 where the information was received from.
The PNP Chief told the media that the police have some preparations for it. According to him, the police is ready to ‘face the threats.’ He also added that he will get the details later as he was only given generic information by the PRO-7 Regional Director.
Based on the news report, the PNP Chief said that the tourist need not to worry. He said that his advice to them is that they will not go to the usual routes of the Abu Sayyaf – the boundary of Philippines, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
According to PNP Chief Dela Rosa, other than that route which kidnapping usually take place, they are safe.
“Huwag kayong matakot. I am giving assurance to the people that ‘yung ating mga pulis sa Central Visayas ay ready,” the PNP Chief said.
[Don’t be afraid. I am giving assurance to the people that our police in Central Visayas are ready.]
Based on a previous report in ABS-CBN News, the U.S. Embassy gave an advice to its citizens to be always vigilant and to prevent from being in large gatherings and crowd.
The recent warning was not the first instance wherein the U.S. Embassy warned its citizens regarding going to the Philippines according to the news report.
American citizens were also warned last December to prevent from traveling to Sulu province if the business is not really essential.