Centcom chief vows to battle terrorism as traders urge calm

Centcom chief Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao outlines his plans during the turnover ceremonies at Camp Lapu-Lapu. (CDN PHOTO/JUNJIE MENDOZA)

THE new Armed Forces Central Command (Centcom) chief vowed to prioritize the prevention of terrorist attacks in Central Visayas during yesterday’s turnover ceremony at Camp Lapu-Lapu.

Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao took over as Centcom chief from Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario in turnover ceremonies presided by Armed Forces vice chief of staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso Miranda.

Lactao is a member of Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class of 1984 along with del Rosario who will be assigned in western Mindanao.
Lactao served as chief of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan De Oro.

“Bottom line, we are able to protect our residents and tourists,” Lactao said.

His assurance came as the Cebuano business community called for calm and vigilance amid last week’s declaration of terror alert level 3 across the country.

Glenn Soco, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said the declaration will not have any negative effect on business since it is part of the government’s drive to counter terrorism.

Robert Go, president of the Philippine Retailers Association (PRA) in Cebu, said the declaration is merely a call for vigilance and won’t drive away investors.

But Edilberto Mendoza, Cebu Association of Tour Operators (CATO) president, called on government to be extra careful when making these declarations since it would give the impression that the Philippines is not a safe place to visit.

Cebu provincial tourism officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas, for his part, urged stakeholders to remain watchful and alert.