Police and military forces in Zamboanga have intensified security measures to thwart any and all threats following the twin bomb attacks on a military camp in Indanan, Sulu Friday, June 28.

Zamboanga City Police Office Spokesperson PCapt. Shellamie Chang said Police Regional Director PBGen. Froilan Quidilla has raised the alert level in Zamboanga Peninsula including Zamboanga City from heightened to full alert following the bombing incidents.

Police authorities have intensified patrol on the streets and coastal areas, intelligence gathering as well as conduct of checkpoints among others.

Task Force Zamboanga Chief Col. Leonel Nicolas said immediately after the incident, troops both in the coastal and mainland areas have been alerted to intensify security in all ingresses and egresses of the city.

At present, the Task Force is implementing numerous security protocols in collaboration with the police to include inspection of all types of vehicles on streets.

“We ask the public to bear with us, this is for the people to make sure that everybody is protected,” Nicolas told City Government officials and employees during the flag ceremony Monday, as he asked the public to immediately report the presence of suspicious-looking persons and baggage and even abandoned vehicles in their vicinity.

He added: “The situation is still volatile, let us be vigilant and aware and make sure of what’s happening in our areas, situational awareness is very important.”

Mayor Beng Climaco for her part likewise appealed for public support and cooperation to all security measures implemented by police and military stressing that security is everybody’s concern. (Sheila Covarrubias)