Negros police keep tight watch for rebels

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines – While downplaying the possibility of members of the rebel Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) coming to seek refuge in Negros Oriental from the embattled Zamboanga City, still, the Philippine National Police (PNP) is not letting their guard down, especially along the coastal areas of the province.

OIC provincial PNP Director Supt. Alet Virtucio on Friday said the police do not discount the possibility that the Muslim rebels might carry out some diversionary tactics here even though that is highly unlikely.

Supt. Virtucio, however, noted that the Dumaguete port is just about two hours by fast craft to Dapitan City where the port closest to Zamboanga City is located.

So far, the police and the intelligence community have not received any reports of potential Muslim rebels arriving in the province, Virtucio said.

He admitted, though, that the coastline of Negros Oriental, particularly in the south, is very accessible to those coming from the Zamboanga peninsula.

Through its Police Community Relations section, the PNP in the province has asked the help of the Muslim community in Negros Oriental, through their religious leaders, to help monitor the arrival of “strangers” to the province, Virtucio disclosed.

The police superintendent said members of the Muslim community here are businessmen and are very helpful, cooperative and peace-loving.

Meanwhile, Virtucio also disclosed that the police are tapping the different barangay intelligence networks particularly in the coastal areas to be vigilant and increase their intelligence gathering to help the police avert any untoward incident.

Tourist police, meanwhile, are directed to remain in their designated stations particularly along the Rizal Boulevard, the area in Dumaguete mostly visited by local and foreign tourists, he said.

Supt. Virtucio also expressed gratitude for having a Philippine Navy patrol boat docked at the Dumaguete port as it is a sea asset in any eventuality.  (FREEMAN)