Mayor Beng Climaco yesterday appealed for sobriety and vigilance following the twin explosions that ripped the cathedral in Jolo, Sulu last Sunday, killing 27 people and wounding 77 others.

Climaco urged the residents of Zamboanga City to be very vigilant against the presence of suspicious-looking persons and unattended packages in their community, and report them immediately to the authorities.

She said security in the city has been heightened with police and military personnel including other law enforcers have put on full alert to thwart any untoward incident attendant to Jolo bombings.

Multiple layers of checkpoints have been established, particularly in thickly populated areas and at the borders or entry/exit points of the city.

The mayor also appealed for prayers for Jolo, especially the victims even as she assured that the city government is here to assist the victims.

“We are saddened by the incident. Please note the city Of Zamboanga is a neighbor of Jolo and we are one with the people of Jolo during this difficult time. We are here to lend our helping hand,” Climaco said during the press briefing in City Hall yesterday.

The city government through the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) provided ambulance assistance to Jolo bombing victims who were airlifted to the city for further medication Sunday afternoon.-(Vic Larato)