RP Consulate beefs up security By MARIAN A. MARAYA

The Philippine Consulate has sought the CNMI’s assistance in beefing up security in its offices in Nauru Building in light of the bombing incident that left the Philippine ambassador to Indonesia seriously wounded.

The local government, through a directive from Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio, acted swiftly on the request, deploying police officers at the 1st and 5th floors of the building where the labor and consular offices are located.

The explosion, which has been blamed on the country’s largest Islamic rebel group, has prompted the Manila government to issue extra precautionary measures to all of its foreign service posts.

Governor Tenorio, upon Philippine Consul Julia C. Heidemann’s request, has ordered the Department of Public Safety to provide the consulate protection to thwart any possible attacks.

DPS officers are stationed at each of the two floors, conducting routinary inspections on individuals who have business with the offices.

Ms. Heidemann, in a press conference, has appealed to overseas Filipino workers and other individuals visiting the consulate to bear with the brief safety procedures.

“There will be a little inconvenience as we administer this. But we are asking the public to cooperate with us,” said the consul.

The increased security measures, according to DPS Commissioner Charles Ingram, would only be a “small” inconvenience.

Despite highly-monitored workplace surroundings, DPS and Philippine officials assured it will be “business as usual” at the offices.

“This is only temporary until the threat persists. This is not to say that there are threats here but we have decided to coordinate with the local police to make sure such incidents don’t occur. All our foreign service posts have been mandated to observe this,” said Ms. Heidemann.

Mr. Ingram explained the move is more of a preventive measure than anything else. “It’s somewhat similar to boarding an airplane,” he added.

Effective yesterday, DPS officers would also man the elevator entrances of the building leading to these two floors.
Ms. Heidemann also expressed appreciation to the governor for his immediate response to the consulate’s request.

“We are very happy that the host government has heeded our request instantly,” she said.

A bomb believed to be planted in the Mercedes Benz carrying Philippine Ambassador Leonides Caday exploded Tuesday, injuring him and his chauffeur. Two died in the attack and while 20 others were wounded. Mr. Caday was seen profusely bleeding when he was pulled out from the vehicle by passers-by.

Ms. Heidemann said the Philippine envoy is now “out of danger” despite sustaining head, hand, and leg injuries.

Philippine Muslim separatists have denied responsibility for the bomb attack, the first against a Philippine official outside the country since fresh fighting erupted between the rebels and the Manila government.