Zamboanga City heightens security following Duterte’s travel warning, mayor says

Following the travel warning of President Rodrigo Duterte on Zamboanga City, the city mayor on Thursday said that they had intensified their security measures to ensure the safety of tourists.

“I urge all local chief executives of Zamboanga Peninsula to coordinate with our police and military authorities in order to take proactive measures in the light of the President's statement,” city mayor Beng Climaco said in a statement posted on Facebook.

On Tuesday, Duterte advised tourists not to travel to Zamboanga because of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf group which targets foreigners visiting in the area. 

“Following the advisory, I have requested General  Dela Vega of WESMINCOM and our RPOC Vice-Chair General Licup of the PNP and General Ancan of the 1st Tabak Division to intensify security in the region,” she said.

Climaco vowed to be more vigilant against people who would try to commit atrocities in the city.

“We will continue to do our best in protecting our constituents including visiting foreign nationals and tourists alike while they are in the City,” she said. — Joviland Rita/MDM, GMA News