Romualdez Calls on Eastern Visayas Residents to Stay Alert Amid Emerging Security Threats

TACLOBAN CITY – Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez has urged residents of Eastern Visayas to remain vigilant as authorities continue to monitor emerging security threats, even as the region’s overall peace and order situation remains stable.

Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC), Romualdez  emphasized in an interview with Vanguard News, on December 13, that sustained coordination among the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and other uniformed service agencies has kept the region secure. However, he warned that underlying vulnerabilities persist, particularly with the evolving tactics of organized crime groups.

“The current state of peace and order is under control and can continue to remain at this level,” Romualdez said. “What we must do is continue working closely together so that everything stays this way. The military is keeping watch, and we must all be vigilant as volunteers of the government.”

Romualdez noted that while traditional threats have been significantly reduced, modern security challenges now come in more sophisticated forms. Among these are external support networks that enable organized crime syndicates to operate across borders and evade law enforcement.

One of the growing concerns, he said, is the identification and disruption of these networks, which are not always foreign-based but often have local links. These groups, he explained, provide logistical, financial, and operational support to criminal organizations with international reach.

“In fact, Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators or POGOs are examples of major organized crime syndicates,” Romualdez said. “There are networks operating out of the Philippines with links to various destinations in Asia, the United States, and other countries in the region.”
Despite these concerns, Romualdez assured the public that authorities are actively monitoring the situation and strengthening intelligence-sharing and inter-agency cooperation. He also underscored the importance of community participation in maintaining peace and order.
“Security is not just the responsibility of the police and the military,” he said. “An informed and alert citizenry is our strongest defense against crime.”

Romualdez concluded by calling on residents to promptly report suspicious activities to authorities and to support government efforts aimed at preserving stability and safety throughout Eastern Visayas.