Security forces praised

MAYOR BENG Climaco praised members of the security forces in Zamboanga City for their hardwork, swift response and steadfast dedication in protecting the public from all kinds of threats – terrorism, violent extremism and even crimes.

Climaco said with the vigilance of the residents and the dedication of the policemen and soldiers, and barangay tanods and government militias, there have been no bombings and kidnappings, and piracy for 5 straight years. 

“We are proud to report to the public, together with Task Force Zamboanga and the Zamboanga City Police Office, that we have maintained again zero bombing, zero kidnapping and zero piracy in our seas for five straight years. I take pride of this historic accomplishment as Chairperson of the Regional Peace and Order Council (appointed by President Rodrigo Duterte).” 

“Ta sale lang siempre librao el Ciudad de Zamboanga por cinco años ya na mal actos de terorismo y man junto siempre kita todo dale el deaton esfuerzo para preveni pa maga atrocidad para na seguridad del deaton maga familia y comunidad. Muchas gracias tambien con Consejala Pinpin Pareja, our action officer for peace and order for all the efforts done,” she said. 

But the mayor was quick to say that terrorism does not rest, adding “It may have been hampered by Covid-19, but LGUs (local governments) like ours, must remain on their toes for evolving threats.” 

Climaco said: “Recently, we had terror threats to Zamboanga City which include potential kidnapping and IED attack by foreign-led bombers. We mobilized the Region and the City with preventive measures of all combined security forces, the LGUs down to the barangays. Zamboanga City Police Office reported that they received more than 200 information reports pertaining to plans, sightings and all forms of illegal activities of threat groups and other criminal elements.” 

“While we have to focus on maintaining measures to fight Covid-19, the threat of terrorism, violent extremism and crime remains. Zamboanga City is no stranger to incidents of terror as attested by the 2013 siege of Zamboanga (by members of the Moro National Liberation under Nur Misuari). Thus, we reiterate our stand,” she said. 

Even while under the pandemic, Climaco emphasized that the local government continues to maintain efforts in preventing and countering violent extremism and terrorism so as not to give terrorists the opportunity to take advantage of the health situation now. 

“Our mandate versus violent extremism is to deny terrorists opportunity to conduct terror activities. We deny terrorists by beefing up security and target hardening of key spaces and infrastructure in the City, by building and strengthening community resilience by engaging the local communities as partners in peacekeeping. We fortify our walls but we build bridges,” Climaco said. 

“We continue to build community resilience which is key versus terror and violent extremism. We have ongoing community dialogues, a joint undertaking of national and local government with local police, hijab patrollers, and Salam volunteers made possible with support from the US Department of State, Bureau of Counter Terrorism,” she added. 

Security forces have neutralized several Abu Sayyaf members in Zamboanga in recent months. (Zamboanga Post)

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