AN OFFICIAL of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office (Cocpo) said state security forces heightened security measures within the city as well as along all routes leading to the city for the start of the 26th Mindanao Business Conference (Minbizcon) Thursday, September 7, at the Xavier Sports and Country Club.
Chief Inspector Mardy Hortillosa, Cocpo spokesperson, said they pulled out all the stops in terms of security measures for the event.
rHortillosa said more than four very important persons are coming in the city, adding that they already coordinated with the traffic department to secure their arrival.
“There are no threats, but still our police city director and the Task Force Oro are very, very apprehensive for the possibilities. So worst-case scenario lang gihapon nga security measure atong gi-prepare,” he added.
Among the guests expected to appear in 3-day event include, Cabinet secretaries, Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Philippines Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana, Russian Ambassador to the Philippines Igor Khovaev, and President Rodrigo Duterte.
Hortillosa said they already surveyed the whole vicinity of the country club, including its neighboring areas.
Cagayan de Oro Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation Incorporated (Oro Chamber) President Robertino Pizzaro said security officials also assured them that there is “nothing fear” as security measures are in place.
“Everything is laid out. We had 7 meetings with the security group, and they have assured us with their utmost effort to secure us. And we are also confident, because of the fact that it is held inside a subdivision, gives our visitors the assurance for safety,” he said.
While the first few days of the preparation experienced a setback, Pizzaro said they expect a “very good attendance” from the business sector.
Ruben Vegafria, Minbizcon chairman, for his part said they are surprised with the sudden rise of interest of the local government units to their event.
“While there is martial law, the interest has never lessened,” he said.
Pizzaro also said that the Minbizcon will be a great venue to discuss the rehabilitation of Marawi City.
He added he hopes the government can show the business sector a ‘grand master plan’ to make sure that the investments will not go to waste.
“There are lots of opportunities in the crisis. The government has already expressed to pour out billions of investments in Marawi, and that investments will trickle down to the regions nearby, and the nearest one, is Northern Mindanao,” he said.
“We will surely discuss how to rebuild Marawi. After this crisis, we are certain that progress will come next. We just need to take off the obstacles to hasten the progress,” he added.
“This event will unite us all for Mindanao,” Pizzaro said.
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