ZAMBOANGA CITY - Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has convened Monday the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) following the recent explosion incident that seriously injured eight people and the reported shooting incidents which claimed the life of one policeman.
In that meeting attended by police and military officials as well as heads of offices and other line agencies, the lady mayor was briefed on the current security situation of Zamboanga City.
OIC-City Police Director Col. Edwin De Ocampo shared that the Abu Sayyaff Group is the most “potent threat” to the security in the city. Meanwhile, violence related to drugs, personal grudges and work differences are also prevalent.
Col. De Ocampo updated the mayor on the status of their investigation regarding the recent blast. He said that police personnel are closely investigating the case. He stressed the need of community involvement in providing information that may lead to the immediate apprehension of the suspects.
Mayor Climaco-Salazar said she would personally visit all police precincts stationed in the city to have a better personal understanding of the security situation. She underscored the need to tap the military to assist the local police in the deterring and preventing crimes.
“I literally had a ‘blast’ on my first day,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.
Incidentally, on her way to City Hall for her first flag-raising ceremony with the local government employees, a grenade exploded in Tetuan Highway. The mayor, city administrator Antonio Orendain Jr. and City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos rushed to the scene. (PIA9)