LAPSED TERRORIST THREAT

THOUGH the supposed terror attack in Northern Luzon on August 11 and 12 didn’t happen, the military and the police are still maintaining their double red-alert status in Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, other churches, vital installations and different areas of convergence in Pangasinan.

Fr. Anthony Eudola of the Minor Basilica of Our Lady of Manaoag, who was in the forum, confirmed the continued intensified security at the minor basilica.

Madarang said the security at the Basilica is being maintained by the Philippine Army and the police as the report of the supposed terror attack is being continuously verified.

He added that other churches, as well as vital installations continue to be secured.

Aside from deploying soldiers at the vicinity of the Basilica, the Army sent K-9 bomb sniffing dogs boosted by a separate K-9 unit from the security men of the church.

The vital installations mentioned by Madarang includes the Sual Coal-fired Power Plant, the San Roque Dam, electric distribution as well as communication facilities. 

Fr. Eudola said the church was consoled and comforted by the tight security measure being extended by the Army and the police to ensure the confidence of the churchgoers, mostly pilgrims from various parts of the country.

He said there are 30 security guards and 42 Closed Circuit TV camera inside and outside the church.

Asked if the issue affected the number of pilgrims going to Manaoag, Fr. Eudula said there has been a decrease but not because of the terror threat but because July and August are rainy months considered lean months for pilgrimage.

But he said he was overwhelmed to see throngs of pilgrims packing the Basilica on Sunday, August 12.

He said they used to hold 11 masses on regular Sundays but on August 12, they had to add   two more because of the big inflow of pilgrims, which only means their love and faith are a lot stronger than their fear. (Leonardo Micua)

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