ILOILO City – “Wala naman po tayong immediate concerned pertaining sa terrorism in Western Visayas,” according to Captain Eduardo Precioso, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) based in Jamindan, Capiz. He was reacting to the bombing of a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu on Jan. 27.
The 3ID, however, is not leaving anything to chance. Major General Dinoh Dolina, commander of the 3ID, ordered a tightened monitoring of the region’s sea boarders with Central Visayas, said Precioso.
“We are one with the Filipino people in condemning in the strongest possible terms the inhumane and barbaric act that claimed the lives of innocent civilians in Jolo, including our fellow soldiers. Your Army in Western and Central Visayas will double its effort to suppress any terror attempt that would jeopardize the peace and security situation in the region,” said Dolina.
The terrorist group Abu Sayyaf is being blamed for the Jolo bombing.
Dolina encouraged Muslim communities to cooperate with government security forces and shun violence and radicalism.
“Pinapa-igting natin ang security measures and patrols sa mga sea borders. Pero wala naman po tayong immediate concern talaga pertaining sa terrorism in Western Visayas and Central Visayas. These are preemptive measures,” said Precioso.
Citing information from the intelligence community, Precioso said no Abu Sayyaf has entered the region.
“Ang concern natin dito sa Western and Central (Army) offices is more sa Communist Party of the Philippines – New People’s Army (CPP-NPA). ‘Yan po ang grupo ng terorista na ina-address talaga natin,” said Precioso.
He assured Western Visayans that the military is in control of the situation and dismissed as “fake news” Facebook posts alleging that the Abu Sayyaf was extorting $15 million from a chain of malls and threatening to blow up the malls.
Precioso urged Facebok users not to spread the “fake news.”/PN
