The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Negros Oriental has heightened maritime and coastal security operations following intelligence reports on the alleged entry of suspected New People’s Army (NPA) members into the province.

Commodore Christopher Auro, commander of the Coast Guard District Southern Visayas, said Tuesday in an interview that authorities have been placed on heightened alert after receiving reports of possible NPA movement from Mindanao to the Negros Island Region.

“We received intelligence information regarding the alleged movement of suspected New People’s Army members reportedly coming from Mindanao. Because of this, we are now on heightened alert status,” Auro said.

Additional Coast Guard personnel have been deployed to key ports across the region, while stricter security inspections were being enforced in major seaports, including those in Bacolod City, Cadiz City, Siquijor, and Dumaguete City.

The PCG has also intensified maritime patrols and port inspections, with K-9 units assisting in security operations.

Auro said security measures in coastal communities and surrounding waters were strengthened immediately after the intelligence reports were received.

The heightened security comes amid recent armed encounters between government troops and suspected NPA rebels in Negros Occidental. Authorities reported that 19 suspected rebels were killed in clashes in Toboso, while five others were killed in a separate encounter in Cauayan over the weekend.

The Coast Guard is coordinating closely with the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army to prevent possible threats and ensure the security of the province, Auro added. (PNA)