By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Following the deadly attack by terror group Abu Sayyaf last week in Bohol, Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) requested their officers to remain vigilant.
PRO-18 spokesperson, Police Senior Inspector Armilyn Vargas, said cops, especially those under the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), were ordered to conduct more patrols, particularly along coastal areas in order to prevent bandits from setting foot in the region.
She also validated an earlier statement by 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, saying they are coordinating with members of the Philippine Army (PA) stationed in the region, as well as other branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including the Philippine Navy (PN) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
Police have also been ordered to coordinate with local resorts and residences owned by foreigners to maintain their safety.
Aside from the law enforcement, Vargas also urged the public to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity to police.
Earlier, Aying confirmed the intelligence reports from the PCG station in Bacolod, saying they are monitoring movements by Abu Sayyaf in the Sulu Sea.
Based on the intelligence report, the terror group is planning to conduct attacks on various beach resorts surrounding the Sulu Sea, with the primary aim of kidnapping tourists and foreigners.
The United States Embassy also issued a travel advisory to its citizens to avoid traveling to Cebu and Bohol islands due to the threat.
Last week, government forces in Bohol foiled a kidnapping attempt by members of the Abu Sayyaf terror group after they landed in the town of Inabanga, Bohol.
The clash left at least 10 people dead.
The Bohol Provincial Police Office (BPPO) and the PA also seized several high powered firearms; several copies of the Quran, allegedly owned by the suspects; and three motor boats they used which were later destroyed to prevent them from making an escape.
Both the BPPO and PA are still hunting down seven remaining Abu Sayyaf members, who are still believed to be trapped in the island./WDJ