Cops check security of malls, seaports

By Jeehan V. Fernandez

The Police Regional Office (PRO-6) has conducted surprise inspections on various malls and seaports here to see to it that tight security is being implemented to safeguard the public against terroristic attacks.

The Iloilo Airport 's control tower is among the areas being secured amidst the threat of terroristic attacks.

Supt. Wesley Barayuga , chief of Operations and Plan Division of Camp Delgado said the Firearms Explosives Security Agency and Guard Supervision (FESAGS) would direct the blue guards to properly impose the security measures in their areas of assignment.

To note, the Philippine National Police has been placed on full alert following the series of bombings in Manila , Davao and Gen. Santos City Monday. PRO-6 director Chief Supt. George L. Aliño stressed that stricter security procedures should be executed at vital installations and public places.

Barayuga pointed out that security guards should do proper inspection on baggage and vehicles to ensure public safety by pre-empting the possible violent attack. “They should strengthen the security in places of convergence,” he said.

However, Barayuga cited that transport terminals of L-300 vans and buses lacked the security inspection and has no head of security unit. He added that these terminals were also told to have tightened security.

Barayuga explained that the blue guards are under the FESAGS supervision such that they could be tapped as force multiplier in preventing terrorism. He added that bomb-sniffing dogs have been utilized by the malls' management in securing their business .