CHECKPOINTS along with the deployment of elite troopers of the highly-trained Light Reaction Company under the Special Joint Task Force Negros following the assassination of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, may affect the tourism industry of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said Monday, March 13.
"I understand that there are more security checkpoints in Negros Oriental. This is not good for tourism, especially for foreigners," Lacson said.
The governor added that Filipinos understand checkpoints but foreigners don't like it.
The governor made the statement after 300 soldiers were deployed to the 21 areas in Negros Oriental to help the police in the conduct of joint security checkpoints, as well as pursue the remaining suspects behind the assassination of Governor Roel Degamo.
Troopers of the highly-trained Light Reaction Company, a counterterrorism unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, were also included in the deployment in Negros Oriental, as confirmed by Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr.
"Basically, the instructions of the president were to suppress criminal activities and impunity in Negros Oriental," Lacson said.
The operation of the special joint task force includes the whole of Negros Island, but they are more focused on Negros Oriental Lacson said.
"This is the judgement call of Sec. Galvez to carry out the order of the President. Hopefully, they can resolve the issue on the suspects that have not been arrested yet. It would be good if they could be identified as to their whereabouts and be arrested," he pointed out.
He also said that the earlier the government apprehends the suspects, the better for the island.
"Negros Occidental is open to tourists. We just have to be prepared, especially resort owners to accept more visitors," Lacson added.
Authorities revealed that there are a total of 17 suspects in the assassination of Degamo and eight others.*