Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare, PRO-7 spokesperson, said that they will be providing security to Muslims and Jews living in Central Visayas to maintain order amidst the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.| Emmariel Ares
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Muslims and Jews residing in Central Visayas will be closely monitored by authorities in light of the escalating war between Israel and the terrorist group Hamas.
This was according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Ace Pelare the spokesperson of the Police Regional Office Central Visayas (PRO-7).
The crisis, which has resulted in the death of many Israelis, Palestinians, and foreigners, began when hundreds of Hamas terrorists attacked Israel from Gaza at dawn on Saturday, October 7, which is also the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.
Israel claimed that hundreds of its citizens mostly civilians and children were killed in that attack.
READ: Israel troops start ground raids in Gaza
In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas on Sunday, October 8, and has since fired thousands of ammunition at Gaza targets.
Security measures
Pelare told reporters that as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to cause chaos in the Middle East, police will be assessing the situation between Muslims and Jews in the region.
According to Pelare, under the instruction of PRO-7 regional director Police Brigadier General Anthony Aberin, they have already implemented some security measures.
He added that police personnel have conducted visits to Muslim and Jewish communities in Central Visayas to assess the situation and maintain order on both sides.
READ: Israel war: Death toll now at 1,600
“Without the public knowing, we have already visited the communities of mga foreigners diri in Central Visayas. To conduct a threat assessment and to provide security,” he stated.
“We want to do this para we can determine kung asa ang possible nga police actions nga atong buhaton,” added Pelare.
Pelare also relayed that police escorts have been deployed in the mentioned communities as part of their proactive interventions.
Still peaceful and orderly
However, Pelare disclosed that they have not received any reports that would indicate the ongoing war in Israel had already affected the Muslims and Jews here.
“As of now, we have not received any report of any indication nga ang war in the Middle East will escalate in our area, especially Central Visayas,” he said.
READ: PH anti-terror council to push for designation of Hamas as terrorist group
Pelare also expressed that the Muslims in Central Visayas have always been supportive and cooperative with all government activities.
He said that they are constantly communicating with the Muslim community in order to monitor the situation and provide the necessary help.
“We are in close contact with them. They are also in close contact with the Jewish community here in Central Visayas. We communicate and we will provide appropriate security coverage for them,” stated Pelare. /rcg
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