2 Navy gunboats in south

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 25): 2 Navy gunboats in south
The military said yesterday that it has not monitored any reports that the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group may have landed in southern Negros.

But Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infanatry Brigade commander, who supervises the Philippine Army units in Negros Island Region, raised the possibility that the intensified military operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits may have a caused spillover tosouthern Negros, based on their assessments. So we have to anticipate their movements, just in case, Delfin said.

Two Philippine Navy gunboats are now stationed in southern Negros, with one the Maricalum Port in Sipalay City, as part of the precautionary measures of the Armed Forces to secure prime tourist destinations in southern Negros.

There were instances when we requested “night flights” of Air Force helicopters to strengthen the security of southern portion of Negros, including Dumaguete City and neighboring areas, Delfin said.

Lt. Col. Roderick Garcia, 79 th  Infantry Battalion commander, whose are of jurisdiction covers the whole southern Negros, , reported earlier that documents gathered from the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group showed that it has been gathering physical information about resorts and their locations in Negros Oriental, including pictures of sea crafts used by the tourists, which are essential to their kidnapping operations.

On Nov. 5, the ASG abducted a German sailor and killed his female compatriot aboard a private yacht off Tawi-Tawi.

The city of Sipalay in Negros Occidental is known for its white-sand beach resorts and famous diving sites, with many of the resorts also owned by foreigners.

Delfin said the 79IB has been coordinating with all the stake holders in southern Negros for pro-active measures.

Based also on their assessments, Delfin said the terrorist group is capable of crossing Mindanao to southern Negros.

Senior Supt. William Señoron, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, said they are scheduled to meet with resort owners in Sipalay City and neighboring areas next week, to discuss security measures, that will also be participated in by concerned local government units, Philippine Army, Navy and Coast Guard, as well as the Regional Public Safety Battalion.

Delfin called for vigilance among resort owners in southern Negros, and for them to immediately report any information about the presence of unidentified persons acting strangely, in their areas.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2016/November/25/topstory7.htm