ZAMBOANGA CITY – Mayor Beng Climaco has ordered police and military authorities to keep the momentum in serving warrants issued by the court against lawless elements in a bid to keep Zamboanga City safe.
This, as she highly commended police and military operatives involved in the recent neutralization of Basit Balahim, a hardcore member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), who is wanted for kidnapping and serious illegal detention for his involvement in the Golden Harvest kidnapping in Basilan in 2002. Basit was arrested in an operation in Talabaan in the east coast on July 10 on the basis of a warrant issued by the court.
In another operation in Talon-talon village, authorities also seized materials used in the manufacture of improvised explosives.
“We will not slow down in our efforts but we will continuously monitor activities because the search warrants issued against ASG members were because of their involvement in kidnapping incidents in Basilan,” Mayor Climaco declared stressing “we want Zamboanga City to be an unsafe place for kidnappers but a safe place for our children.”
The mayor also commended police and military troops including the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard and other operatives in Basilan and Sulu who are closely coordinating efforts through intelligence fusion for their operation both on land and water.
But as the authorities strengthen campaigns against lawless elements, the Mayor also called on residents to always be vigilant and supportive of the peace keeping efforts. “As the authorities intensify their peace-keeping efforts, we continuously call on the civilians to remain watchful amid threats from lawless elements,” she added. (Sheila Covarrubias)
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