Palace assures public safety amid US warning vs travel to south Cebu

Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC

Malacañang on Friday assured the public of their security following reports of a planned kidnapping of foreigners in southern Cebu.

Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said reports of a possible kidnapping were now being validated.

“There was indeed a police report regarding a plan to stage a kidnapping in southern Cebu. The report is in the process of being validated,” Abella said in statement.

READ: Americans urged to avoid southern Cebu due to kidnapping threats

“The PNP [Philippine National Police] commanders at various levels have taken the necessary steps to harden or protect possible targets. Moreover, other measures are being undertaken in public venues to safeguard crowds from harm,” he added.

The United States Embassy in Manila has issued a travel warning to its citizens to avoid going to southern Cebu because of the risk of being kidnapped.

“Terrorists groups are planning to conduct kidnapping in areas frequented by foreigners on the southern portion of Cebu Island, specifically the areas around Dalaguete, Santander, to include Sumilon Island; located off mainland Oslob town,” the advisory said.

READ: US: Dalaguete, Santander, Sumilon kidnap risk areas in southern Cebu

But Cebu officials said they had not received any reports of terrorist threats in their areas. RAM