THE Zamboanga City Water District (ZCWD) has tightened security in its facilities to deter lawless elements from carrying out sabotage amidst the heightened alert status of the security forces in the city.
The security forces were placed on heightened alert when President Rodrigo Duterte has declared state of lawlessness following the September 2 bombing in Davao City that killed 14 people and injured 67 others.
The security forces were also placed on alert to prevent spill-over of violence as the government troops are continuously pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.
Engineer Arnulfo Alfonso, ZCWD assistant general manager for technical services, said they have adopted security plan to ensure the protection of the treatment plant and watershed although there is no direct threat to the water firm.
Alfonso said the security is geared against possible bombings and water poisoning since the treatment facility and the watershed are vulnerable to attacks.
The treatment facility is the most vulnerable to attacks since it is located along the road in the village of Pasonanca where passenger vehicle traverses.
Alfonso said the watershed is being guarded by ZCWD guards and contracted security guards in coordination with the military’s Task Force Zamboanga.
Water installation is just one of the city’s vital installations that are closely watched by the security forces.
The others include hospitals, churches, City Government offices, and others.
