2 city malls under bomb threat
Security alert is expected to be at its highest today in at least two malls in Iloilo City following a reportedly serious plan intercepted by the intelligence community to bomb these establishments.
As such, members of the mall security in both city malls were briefed anew with stricter measures in place alongside the hourly rounds of bomb-sniffing dogs in and out of the mall's premises. The News Today (TNT) in a report further gathered that city cops and intelligence agents from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) here are also under orders to provide additional security back-up.
This, as the AFP moved for the report's validation as disclosed by Captain Lowen Gil Marquez, commanding officer of the AFP's 3rd Civil Relations Group.
In a text message, Captain Marquez acknowledged receiving the information on the reported bombing saying civilian informants said the plan is yet another handiwork of the local Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) hierarchy.
"Information received is being validated that the CPP/NPA will conduct bombing in these business establishments in Iloilo City," Captain Marquez said as he went on to identify the purported targets.
Mall insiders told TNT that similar messages has reached mall administration officials however orders are out not to cause panic and minimize alarm on the public.
Same messages bearing the warning were faxed Wednesday afternoon to various malls with copies reportedly sent out as well to Police Senior Superintendent Wesley Barayuga, Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) director. Also reportedly notified was the Iloilo Provincial Police Office (IPPO) and town police chiefs "for information and appropriate action."
Reached for comment, Sr. Supt. Barayuga said he has already sent out K9 dogs and a team from the city's Explosive Ordnance Division (EOD).