Lapu-Lapu police train mall guards how to detect terrorists

Amid the recent spate of bomb threats in Cebu, the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) decided it was time to ensure that the security personnel of malls and big business establishments in the city are prepared to handle suspicious people and activities.

Chief Insp. Mark Gifter Suclit, chief of the LLCPO City Intelligence Branch (CIB), met with at least ten security officers of malls and business establishments in the city on Wednesday for a training session on how to detect and deal with suspected terrorists and other crime elements.

Sucalit said the training session, held at the LLCPO headquarters, taught the security officers how to monitor suspicious individuals or groups that may enter their premises.

Among others, the security officers were taught how to detect a person who could be carrying or concealing improvised explosive devices (IEDs), firearms and other deadly weapons.

Moreover, these private security forces were asked to work closely with the LLCPO to ensure continuous cooperation, coordination and collaboration between the police and the malls and commercial establishments.

Putting together a communication system is vital to ensure the police will be immediately alerted about the presence of any suspicious individuals in their premises, said Sucalit.

The security officers also received fliers with the hotline numbers of LLCPO and the different police stations in the city.

Senior Insp. Joey Bicoy, LLCPO deputy chief, conducted a briefing on how to observe and accurately describe suspicious-looking persons, while Sucalit discussed security measures and interagency coordination relative to bomb threats.

Senior Supt. Rommel Cabagnot, LLCPO chief, meanwhile, visited the mosques in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday and met with the city’s Muslim community leaders to get their commitment and support to curb criminality and report any activities with regard to terrorism.

“Ato lang ni silang gisuroy dinhi para mapaduol ta sa mga residente nga makatabang sa mga police sa pagsumpo sa krimen (We just visited them here to get close to the people who are the partners of the police in curbing crimes),” said Cabagnot.

Abdullah Pabbilla, a Muslim community leader in the city, assured they were also monitoring their community against lawless elements and closely scrutinizing new faces who would enter their community to ensure they are not involved in any illegal activities.