By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

In an attempt to avoid spill-over of violence from Negros Oriental, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) is conducting “seal-off operations” between the two provinces. According to NOPPO director, Police Colonel Romeo Baleros, operations include setting up checkpoints and border controls, along with blocking forces.
Baleros identified the border area where more troops will be deployed as Moises Padilla, which is near the Negros Oriental border; La Castellana; Isabela; Cauayan; Hinoba-an; Candoni; Kabankalan City; Sipalay City; and San Carlos City.
The NOPPO chief said proper scrutiny and intense screenings will be conducted for those who wish to cross the border.
Last week’s series of killings in Negros Oriental is believed to have been penetrated by the New People’s Army.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Oscar Albayalde assured there will be no declaration of Martial Law in Negros Oriental despite the recent events, adding, more than 300 members of the PNP Special Action Force are being deployed to the province as an augmentation force.
On the part of Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, he is hoping the situation does not reach the point that Martial Law will be declared in Negros Oriental.
“It’s a decision of the national government but I hope that it doesn’t reach that point,” he affirmed./DGB, WDJ