THE Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (Norppo) is validating reports on the alleged presence of about 20 armed men in Guihulngan City early Wednesday morning, May 17.
Senior Superintendent Henry Biñas, acting director of Norppo, said on Wednesday that they received reports about the sightings of 20 armed men and a woman with high powered-firearms on board two pump boats in Barangay Basac around 5 a.m.
They were Bisaya-speaking people as described by residents in the area, Biñas added.
He said these people probably came from Negros Occidental or Cebu City or even just from the province.
The sightings of the alleged armed men who proceeded to the upper part of the barangay are still subject for confirmation, Biñas said.
Intelligence operatives are monitoring and gathering information for thorough validation about the reported terror threat.
Biñas assured the residents of Barangay Basac and the people of Negros Oriental that there is nothing to worry as the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army are increasing their vigilance.
With such report, the police immediately coordinated with the Philippine Army for intensified security operations in the area.
Biñas said he directed all police stations to be vigilant and stay on full alert for possible tactical offensives.
Last year, there were also reports about the sightings of armed men in the same city.
The Philippine Army has assured strengthened monitoring of any possible threats.
Last month, residents of Cauayan town in Negros Occidental mistakenly identified a foreigner as part of a terrorist group when he arrived in the town, along with his 12-year-old daughter. They were carrying huge back packs on board a pump boat.
After validation, it was revealed that the foreigner was 70-year-old Frank Jones, of Bacong town in Negros Oriental, who also owns the pump boat.
Jones and his daughter were supposed to go to Iloilo when they took a respite at the village after they encountered engine trouble.
The authorities in the area have remained on full alert.
