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BY MAE SINGUAY
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Tuesday, April 11, 2017
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BACOLOD City – Soldiers are on high alert during the Holy Week.
Aside from conducting routine security operations during the yearly Roman Catholic observance, the Philippine Army is also preparing for threats posed by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).
In an ambush interview on Monday, Major General Jon Aying, 3rd Infantry Division commander, confirmed receiving information on the movement of the ASG and other Muslim extremists at the Sulu Sea.
All Army units in Negros Occidental were ordered to be on alert and coordinate with the local police, Aying told the press at the provincial capitol.
Earlier the Philippine Coast Guard-Bacolod station received information regarding the ASG’s plan to kidnap tourists at beach resorts around Sulu Sea.
While the threat does not cover Negros Occidental, the neighboring Negros Oriental is an area of concern, said Lieutenant Senior Grade Jimmy Oliver Vingno, commander of Coast Guard-Bacolod.
The United States Embassy also released a travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid travelling to Cebu and Bohol due to the threat.
Soldiers in Negros will work with the police in securing beach resorts, coastal areas and residences owned by foreigners, Aying said.
“The PNP (Philippine National Police) has been on full alert already,” the Police Regional Office 18 said when sought for comment.
“COPs (Chiefs of police) have been instructed to constantly remind their personnel to be vigilant and alert, and intensify their intel monitoring and information gathering regarding the movement of the ASG,” it said./PN
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