PROMPTED BY the recent terror attacks in Mindanao and the alleged presence of members of Islamic State-inspired groups in Iloilo City, Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III has ordered increased police visibility in places of worship. At the Iloilo International Airport in Cabatuan, enhanced security measures have also been put in place by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The mayor also ordered the police to identify all the chapels, churches, and mosque in the city. “We will monitor the different religious services from time to time to assure our people na (that) we are there and we are ready for any unforeseen event,” he said. Aside from increased police visibility, security plans of all the worship places, including their CCTVs, must also be reviewed, Mr. Espinosa said. Meanwhile, Iloilo Terminal Supervisor Art Parreño said the number of security personnel have also been increased, particularly those posted at the entrances. “We decided to increase the number of guards at the gates, particularly in the first gate and in the main gate towards the airport,” Mr. Parreño said. With the stricter security measures in place, the CAAP official appealed to passengers, especially those with huge baggages, to arrive at the airport at least two hours before their flight. “This is not ordinary times, we indulge and request all passengers especially with a lot of cargo and baggage to come early,” he said. The Iloilo International Airport operates up to 60 flights a day. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

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