THE PHILIPPINE Coast Guard-Western Visayas (PCG-6) is on heightened alert following Monday’s blast in Masbate that damaged PCG boats as well as the two bombing incidents in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat. Lieutenant Commander Ramil A. Palabrica, PCG-6 spokesperson, said they have deployed K9 dogs in all ports in the region since two weeks ago and are closely coordinating with the police and the military. “We are very alert not only in Western Visayas but in the entire country,” Palabrica said. Mr. Palabrica said stricter inspection of baggages will also be enforced at all ports. Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jose S. Espinosa III said he already instructed the police and the coast guard to secure vessels and passengers. “We need to secure the possible convergence areas of the culprits,” Mr. Espinosa said. He also appealed to the public to be vigilant and immediately report suspicious items, particularly abandoned bags. Last Aug. 28, components of an improvised explosive device were found in the girl’s toilet at the Lambunao National High School in Lambunao, Iloilo. The Iloilo provincial police’s Explosives and Ordinance Division confirmed the bomb components, but said these could not explode without a blast cap or detonator. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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