By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Nicholas Lachica, the head of the local rescue and emergency services in Candoni, Negros Occidental, recently appealed for calm following unverified reports claiming the New People’s Army (NPA) was planning an attack on the municipality.
Based on information disseminating on social media, around 100 NPA members are planning an attack on the town, a number said to be insurmountable by local police.
In light of the recent ambush on police officers in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, Lachica said a panic has grown among town residents, with some residing in far-flung areas evacuating.
He noted, while the panic has subsided, a recent power interruption fueled concerns.
However, authorities are looking into who spread the information, and Philippine Army 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) commander, Major General Jon Aying, said they are not taking any chances and indicated both the army and additional units from Police Regional Office-18 (PRO-18) were sent to the municipality in order to boost security measures./WDJ