by EA Abasquez

San Jose, Antique (19 October) -- Defeating terrorism lies not only in the hands of the law-enforcement authorities but also in the hands of a vigilant and cooperating public so says the information from National Security Adviser Norberto Gonzales.

In this aspect, President Gloria Arroyo has this message, "I commend our people for the vigilance against terror and I would like to make special mention of the informers who tipped off the authorities and foiled some attempted bombings in Mindanao last week. I call for broader alertness in reporting suspicious activities even as calmness and sobriety mark our everyday work and livelihood.

The authorities are on top of the situation but they need the active support of the community to safeguard the perimeters of peace and order. The strong cooperation between vigilant public and our security forces will deny the terrorists any room to carry out sinister plots. Barangay Security Officers, especially in Metro Manila and other key urban areas in the country, are called to alert as force-multipliers in the implementation of our public safety measures. Let us make this fight a responsibility and duty of one and all".

In the province, Supt. Ranolfo Demiar, PNP Officer-in-Charge explained that police functions at the local level complement national directions.

In the wake of killings and bombings in other areas of the country, the police conducts threats assessment, to check and secure vital installations.

Demiar revealed that coordination has been made with concerned personalities, church/religious leaders and the media.

This undertaking Demiar pointed out has enabled the PNP to gather information in order to come up with interventions to boost security measures in the campaign against terrorism.

Of prime concerns are vital installations such as power, communications banks, transport and infrastructure facilities in order to protect life and property, enhance the brisk business brought about by a peaceful community.

Though no bomb threats have been reported/received so far, the PNP keeps on reviewing/revising contigency plans relative to bombing incidents, bank robberies and disasters.

Security measures along the highway and the route of buses of the Roll-On-Roll-Off transport system or the Nautical Highway for a strong Republic have been stepped up. Check points were conducted and coordination activities with the detachments of Philippine Army boost security measures to make Antique a safe and peaceful community.