By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) station in Bacolod City recently received intelligence suggesting the Abu Sayyaf terror group was currently on the move in the Sulu Sea, but no direct threats were reported for Negros Occidental.
“We have not received any direct threats for southern Negros, but the PCG is more concerned with the areas located in southern Cebu and the southern part of Negros Oriental,” said PCG Bacolod commander, Lieutenant Jimmy Oliver Vingno.
He also assured resort areas in Sipalay City and Hinoba-an, which face the Sulu Sea, are safe, but advised tourists, who may be venturing to the vicinity for the upcoming Holy Week holiday, to report any suspicious activity to police.
Meanwhile, as part of their preparations for Holy Week, Vingno said they will conduct random inspections of beach resorts in Negros Occidental, as they are required to have lifeguards on duty to prevent drowning incidents./WDJ