SEVERAL Cebu mayors expressed support for President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of a state of lawless violence, the details of which they’ll discuss in a meeting today with the interior department.
The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) 7 called for precautions to help secure all local governments, following a blast last Friday in a Davao City night market that killed 14 persons and hurt at least 71 others.
Local officials cannot call out the Armed Forces to help the police with law enforcement functions; only the President can do so.
But DILG 7 Director Rene Burdeos said that mayors can contribute a lot with the operational supervision they have over the police, as deputies of the National Police Commission.
Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco said that since the President’s declaration early last Saturday morning, she has instructed the police to heighten their presence in public areas, set up more checkpoints, and intensify intelligence gathering, among others.
“We have a curfew ordinance that is already in place and for which I have instructed strict implementation since the start of my term,” Frasco said.
Tuburan Mayor Democrito “Aljun” Diamante said that the declaration, which has a nationwide scope, emphasizes each mayor’s duty to maintain peace in his or her jurisdiction.
San Remigio Mayor Mariano Martinez said he will ask the police to coordinate with the provincial and regional PNP offices, and let him know how the town can support them.
“We continue to support the President in his drive against lawlessness and the drug menace,” said Pinamungajan Mayor Glenn Baricuatro, in a separate interview.
Moalboal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron said that the President, as commander-in-chief, must be supported in order to achieve peace.
Bantayan Mayor Art Despi said that Davao’s location and proximity to the Abu Sayyaf makes it highly susceptible to such attacks. “Lawlessness is a matter that has a different meaning to us in Bantayan, Cebu. In Bantayan, lawlessness is more a big problem of illegal fishing,” Despite said.
“Of course, my statement is not to be taken that we don’t commiserate with the Davaoenos,” Despi added.
In an interview, an official of the Archdiocese of Cebu said there is no problem in the declaration of a state of lawless violence, for as long as it serves to protect the public from terrorists.
Msgr. Joseph Tan, spokesperson of the Archdiocese of Cebu, said that the increased presence of soldiers and police officers in public places will “give assurance to the public that there is a sense of security.”
Tan said that the Archdiocese of Cebu is also offering prayers for the victims of last Friday’s explosion, and reminding the public that senseless violence must not be faced with more violence.
For his part, Cebu City Councilor Dave Tumulak is attending the meeting with DILG today on behalf of Mayor Tomas Osmeña, who is flying to Taiwan for a conference.
Tumulak, recently designated as deputy mayor for police matters, said he has been getting regular updates from the military and police on what they’re doing, especially in relation to the checkpoints.
“It is the prerogative of the President to make such a declaration. Although in Cebu City the peace and order situation is not alarming, it is necessary for the safety and protection of the public,” he said.
