TERROR THREATS IN THE SOUTH?

US Embassy alerts Americans of kidnap threats in southern Cebu

Cebu officials were caught by surprise by the advisory of the United States Embassy in Manila to its citizens to avoid going to southern Cebu to avoid the risk of being kidnapped.

Government and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials in Cebu and the business sector all maintained they have not received any reports of terrorist threats in Cebu, particularly in the southern parts of the province.

The US Embassy advisory, titled “Security message for U.S. Citizens: Risk of Kidnapping in Southern Cebu”, was posted on the embassy’s website about 11 a.m. on Thursday.

“Terrorist groups are planning to conduct kidnapping in areas frequented by foreigners on the southern portion of Cebu Island, specifically the areas around Dalaguete, Santander, to include Sumilon Island” located off mainland Oslob town, the advisory said.

“U.S. citizens should avoid travel to these areas and are reminded to review personal security plans; remain aware of their surroundings, including local events; monitor local news stations for updates. Be vigilant and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security,” the advisory said.

The advisory also reminded its citizens of a Department of State Worldwide Caution issued on Sept. 13, 2016 which mentioned threats of terrorist actions and violence against U.S. citizens and interests abroad, including the Philippines.

“Extremists have targeted sporting events, theaters, markets, mass transportation systems – including airlines, and other public venues where large crowds gather. Crowded nightclubs, shopping malls, buses, and popular restaurants have also been targets. The Embassy reminds U.S. citizens of the importance of taking preventative measures to ensure their safety and security while traveling and residing in the Philippines,” said the US embassy advisory.

‘Raw info’

Mayors Ronald Allan Cesante of Dalaguete and Marilyn Wenceslao of Santander towns were surprised by the embassy’s alert status, although they admitted receiving “raw information” that some groups planned to do harm in some southern parts of Cebu.

But they believed the intelligence report they earlier received was not connected to the U.S. advisory.

Wenceslao said she received a text message from a police intelligence officer that some groups planned to engage in kidnapping activities in his town as well as Dalaguete and Sumilon Island, which are frequented by tourists.

Cesante, for his part, said he also received intelligence reports that some groups planned to do harm in southern Cebu during the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day holidays.

“But that was a raw information. It is not verified,” he added.

Both Cesante and Wenceslao asked the police to verify the reported threats and to be on alert for presence of any terrorist group.

Dalaguete Tourism Officer Victor Caruza said the US advisory would affect the tourism industry of the town since it would discourage foreign tourists from visiting the town, known as the “vegetable basket of Cebu.”

The town has a monthly average of 30,000 domestic and foreign tourists who visit Obong Spring, Osmeña Peak, Dalaguete White Sand Beach and Eagle’s Cave.
Santander, on the other hand, is known for its beaches.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III did not confirm or deny the veracity of the travel alert issued by the US Embassy.

“The Cebu Provincial Police Office is validating reports on kidnapping risks in Southern Cebu. True or not, we call on Sugboanons and tourists to be vigilant. Keep necessary contact numbers of nearest police stations in your area and avoid travels unless necessary,” he said in a statement.

“Keep close coordination with your relatives of your whereabouts and report to authorities any suspicious individuals. The Capitol is coordinating with responsible provincial offices and local government units to keep residents and tourists safe. In the meantime, stay safe,” he added.

Business

Business leaders and tourism stakeholders in Cebu were curious as to how and from where the US Embassy got the information regarding threats to kidnap people on the southern part of Cebu.

“The US Embassy has to be very accurate with their information before issuing such advise since it can create fear and give tourists a negative perception of Cebu,” said Edwin Ortiz, head of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) tourism committee.

Ortiz, who also sits as director of the Department of Tourism’s Tourism Promotions Board, said local businesses would be affected because of the advisory.

“I hope the information is incorrect. The security warning should be lifted soon,” he said.

Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Glenn Soco said the US Embassy might want to give further details on how they got the information.
“We are not aware of such a threat. It might be premature to make conclusions like that especially that it affects our tourism and business,” he said.

Edilberto Mendoza, president of the Cebu Association of Tour Operators, said he also has no idea where the US Embassy got its information.

He said that while there is always a threat of terrorism anywhere in the country, its presence in Cebu may have been highlighted due to recent reports from the PNP regarding the presence of some Abu Sayaff members here last month.

But Mendoza said he does not think the Embassy’s statement will have a significant effect on Cebu’s tourism.

“American tourists do not account for majority of our visitors here in Cebu so the effect might not be that significant,” he said.

The latest data from the DOT in Central Visayas showed that majority of the tourists that come to Cebu are Koreans. US visitors ranked fourth, after the Japanese and Chinese.

From January to July this year, the DOT recorded 117,552 American tourists in various accommodation establishments throughout the region.

Nonetheless, Mendoza urged the police to remain vigilant.

No direct threat

Chief Supt. Noli Taliño, director of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), said they have not monitored any terrorist threats in Cebu.

“The information the US Embassy received has yet to be validated. For now, that is just an information,” he said in an interview.

But to ensure the safety of the people, Taliño said PRO-7 immediately coordinated with the Armed Forces’ Central Command, the Philippine Coast Guard, and other agencies to intensify the security measures implemented in places of convergence such as hotels, resorts, beaches, and tourist destinations.

He said it is always advisable for residents and even tourists to always be security conscious.

“In any areas of the Philippines that is frequented by tourists, the threats are always there. But in Cebu, so far, we have not monitored any terrorist group entering the island,” he said.

PRO-7, in an advisory released to the media, urged the public, especially foreigners, to remain calm.

“At present, there is no direct threat sighted or monitored threat groups in the region. The (police) regional office made the assurance that Central Visayas is safe and secured to live, work and do business. All areas in the region frequented by foreigners are augmented with additional PNP personnel to implement the tightened security coverage,” the PRO-7 advisory read.

Taliño nonetheless urged the people to be vigilant.

“We urged people to be security conscious by reporting unusual activities or the presence of suspicious-looking people,” he said.

Last Oct. 24, Supt. Julian Entoma, chief of the Regional Intelligence Division, called on the public to be extra cautious after receiving intelligence reports from their counterparts in Zamboanga City that six members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group were in Cebu.

According to the report that reached Entoma, the terrorists were led by a certain Commander Alhabsi Misaya.

Photographs of Misaya were immediately disseminated to the different police stations in Cebu as well as malls and other business establishments to avert trouble.

But a day after issuing an alert, the PRO-7 cleared the region of the presence of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf.

Upon validation, Entoma said they found out that the Abu Sayyaf members never entered Cebu.