By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Jon Aying validated reports that the 10 to 20 armed men and women spotted landing in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental are not members of the Abu Sayyaf, but rather rebels from the New People’s Army (NPA).
In a report by TV Patrol Negros, yesterday afternoon, Aying said the armed group likely came from the town of Santa Catalina in the said province, and chose to travel by sea in motor boats in order to bypass army checkpoints and patrols in the province.
Aying said a local resident reported the sighting and said the group was heading to the mountainous area of the city.
He stated, following the report, army units in the province were immediately alerted, as the group could conduct several attacks and atrocities.
Aying also called on local residents to immediately notify their respective barangay officials and the police should they come across unfamiliar individuals, especially if they are armed.
“We need to help each other in order to counter this lawless elements, which in return would give you a secure community,” he added./WDJ