VILLAR URGES THE PUBLIC TO CELEBRATE VALENTINES DAY
AS USUAL BUT OBSERVE VIGILANCE

Senator Manny Villar, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs, whose committee investigated the February 14 simultaneous bombings last year in Makati City, Davao City and General Santos City, urges the public to remain vigilant while celebrating Valentines Day with their loved ones.

Police authorities themselves said that they are in a state of high vigilance against terror attacks even while their alert level remains normal. So I suggest the general public should maintain vigilance as well while remaining calm in case of untoward incidents, says Villar.

Villar adds, There is no need to be afraid though since strict security measures have been put in place and additional policemen have been deployed in strategic and crowded areas such as mall and transport terminals. So we can celebrate Valentines Day as usual.

To recall, last year Villar, President of the Nacionalista Party, filed Senate Resolution 184 directing his committee to conduct an investigation into the simultaneous bombings in Makati City, Davao City and General Santos City on February 14, 2005. His committee held a couple of public hearings on the tragic incident.

Villars Senate resolution proposes policy measures to ensure public security in areas of convergence like bus terminals, airports, commercial establishments and vital installations nationwide.

Security checks in crowded areas like malls and transport stations are expected to tighten, people should understand that its for their safety and protection. Thus, the public to stay calm, alert and cooperate with the police personnel who are implementing strict security measures, further cites Villar.

The simultaneous bombings on Valentines Day last year started outside Gaisano Mall in General Santos City. After which, another bomb explosion took place at the Ecoland bus terminal in Davao City. The third bomb blasted away an RRCG Transport bus along EDSA near the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Ayala Station. At least a dozen persons were killed and over a hundred were wounded in the said bombings.