The Philippine Army in Negros Oriental has intensified border security in the province to avert possible terror attacks similar to the December 3 bombing of Mindanao State University in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

In a press briefing yesterday, Brigadier General Joey Escanillas, the Army’s 302nd Infantry Brigade (302Bde) commander, said additional checkpoints have been set up at key entry and exit points of the province.

“We have deployed explosive-detecting dogs at bus stations, like in Dumaguete City and at the city port to check on luggage,” Escanillas said.

He noted that checkpoints are still present in strategic locations even after the October 30 elections for village and youth leaders.

Stringent security checks on private and public vehicles are also being conducted at the borders of Negros Oriental’s Basay town and Negros Occidental’s Hinoba-an town; Negros Oriental’s Bayawan City and Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City; and Pandanon crossing Negros Oriental’s Ayungon town.

However, Escanillas clarified that the military has not received any intelligence reports of potential terror threats in Negros Oriental.

Meanwhile, he said they welcomed the announcement by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. of exploratory peace talks with some extremist groups, specifically the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NPA), whose presence is still felt on Negros Island.

In the 302Bde area of responsibility, only the NPA’s Southwest Guerilla Front remains active, as the Southeast Front and the Bohol Party Committee in Bohol province have been declared dismantled. (PNA)