By Paulo Loreto Lim

Negros Occidental Rep. Mercedes Alvarez, who represents the 6th District, said an increased military presence is currently active in her home district, in response to last week’s terror activity in Bohol.
“Because of the recent incident in Bohol, the Philippine Army has increased troop presence in the CHICKS Area,” she stated.
CHICKS is an acronym, referring to Candoni, Hinobaan, Ilog, Cauayan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay.
“Rest assured that our men in uniform are securing the area,” she added. “I am in constant communication with 79th Infantry Brigade (79 IB) deployed to the area.”
Last week, the military thwarted a kidnapping plot by the terror group Abu Sayyaf in Bohol. According to reports, three soldiers, one police officer, two locals, and four suspected terrorists were killed in the operation./WDJ