BAGUIO CITY – We are all stakeholders in ensuring the safety of our families and communities.
In Monday’s flag-raising ceremonies at city hall, Mayor Mauricio Domogan is asking the public to report to the Baguio City Police Office if they observe any “suspicious individuals” in their respective barangays who they have never seen before or are wary of.
Domogan explained that this will allow the police to do proper monitoring on said individuals to know the reason for their visit to the Summer Capital and other pertinent information.
He stressed that this is not to discriminate against anyone but to prevent the occurrence of any untoward incidents that will compromise the safety and security of local residents.
The Mayor met earlier with leaders and representatives of the local Muslim community and appealed for their help by coordinating with the police to ensure the city’s peace and order situation.
Domogan said that in view of the on-going armed conflict between government forces and the Maute rebel group in Marawi City, he is asking “our Muslim brothers and sisters” to report to the police if they have any visitors, especially coming from that area, who they do not truly know or are suspicious of.
He emphasized, however, that the request does not in any way target or discriminate against Muslims whom he said “are respected members of Baguio’s community”, but is due to the on-going armed conflict in Marawi City that has moved Pres. Duterte to declare Martial Law in Mindanao.
Domogan points out that he does not tolerate discrimination of any kind and that, “everybody is treated equally in the city regardless of religion or ethnic background”.
As a melting pot of various cultures, the Mayor has often extolled the importance of Baguio residents being “united in diversity” for the city’s progress. /Gaby Keith