Capitol boosts security

SECURITY guards check the bag of a visitor at the Iloilo provincial capitol on Sept 21, 2018 as part of stricter security measures. Incidentally, the measures were imposed during the commemoration of the 46th anniversary of the declaration of martial law by the late dictator Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr. (Gail Momblan)

THE ILOILO Provincial Capitol imposed tighter security measures after the latest bomb threat reports and bombing incidents in the county.

Aaron Reymundo, officer-in-charge of the General Services Unit said on Friday that he issued a memorandum for stricter security measures at the Capitol grounds two weeks ago.

Before entering the building, clients will go through bag checks at the entrance points.

“Hugton namon ang security especially sa may mga dala nga mga bag, nga kung pwede i-applyan sang search o metal detector,” Reymundo said.

Aside from bag checks, the public will also be required to log in before entering the building. Reymundo said this measure was already imposed last year.

Almost 1,000 capitol employees and registered ambulant vendors, on the other hand, must wear their identification cards (ID).

Reymundo emphasized that keeping the security and safety in the building is paramount and the bag checking done at entrance points will not in any way violate the rights of the public.

“Indi ni ya nga gina-kwan ang inyo rights, something that will maintain sang safety. Amo na amon responsibility. Indi na namon gusto nga matabo nga sa pila ka adlaw basulon kami nga waay kami nagpasar sang amon responsibilidad as security sa sini nga building,” Reymundo said.

Currently, the provincial capitol has 60 security personnel, 32 of whom render 8- and 12-hour duty shifts while the rest are deployed to provincial hospitals, Iloilo Sports Complex, and other provincial buildings.

Also, three policemen from the Iloilo Provincial Police Office man the gates to augment the security force.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian

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