‘Tunnels’ discovered in LC

By Dominic B. dela Cruz

Staff Reporter

THE TUNNELS in a Laoag City barangay that were featured on national television are basically irrigation canals, according to P/Supt. Jeffrey T. Gorospe, Laoag police officer-in-charge.

He explained that the four tunnels found at Barangay Vira are “holes” used for the passage of water into farms and were not intended for passage of people.

Gorospe, accompanied by several other police officers, personally visited the location of the tunnels, confirmed the discovery of the tunnels and was told that barangay residents there refer to the holes as “tunnels”

He disclosed further that the so-called “tunnels” are located under the mountains and connect from Sitio Panda to Viral Elementary School while the others connect to an area along Gen. Segundo Ave. and Vintar.

He stressed though that those tunnels serve as supply route of water to Barangay Vira to be used for farming purposes and not for any other activity.

The tunnels’ airing over national television prompted Barangay Vira chairperson Mary Michelle Louise “Mikee” V. Fariñas to ask the help of the police in locating them and investigating their purpose.

After the police investigation, Ms Fariñas said the tunnels are useful for farmers as they serve as irrigation routes for their farms.

She added that she was surprised by the tunnel issue that was raised as she was unaware of them. But the investigation later revealed that they were called as “tunnels” by the forefathers of residents there since they are located under the mountain.

After the investigation, the barangay chair hopes that all have been cleared and the purpose of “tunnels” is now clearly known.

Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas also said that since “tunnels” have been investigated, there should no longer be any issue about them.

Meanwhile, Gorospe also confirmed the presence of suspicious and unidentified persons roaming around late at night particularly at Barangays Balacad and Balatong due to interviews and combat boots footprints found in the said barangays.

However, Gorospe said that these are not armed men but just a group of people and it is no longer like the past when armed rebels roamed around at night.

He pointed out though that they are still not clear about the purpose of this group that roam around the said barangays.

Gorospe advised the public to be vigilant in their respective barangays and to report immediately to the police in case they see very suspicious looking people.

Gorospe also instructed barangay tanods to also monitor these reported cases.

He also coordinated with the police stations in Paoay and Batac as they traced the footprints heading south.