BY GILBERT P. BAYORAN
There is no threat from Muslim extremists monitored in Western and Central Visayas, Army spokesman Maj. Cenon Pancito III said last night.
Pancito, however, said that they are not taking chances as they continuously monitor any threat that may undermine the peace and order situation in the two Visayas regions.
The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division has infantry units deployed in Negros, Panay, and Bohol.
The twin blasts in Jolo, Sulu on Monday had killed at least 14 people and wounded 77 others.
Pancito said that they will continue to process any information to be on top of the security situation in the two Visayas regions, as he renewed their call to everyone to report any information that may be of help to law enforcement agencies to promptly address any threat.
The Police Regional Office 6 also issued a statement last night encouraging everyone to be more vigilant.
Lt. Col. Joem Malong, PRO 6 spokesperson, said that the whole Region is under Terrorism Threat Level 1, which means that they have not monitored threats in the region.
Malong said that the aim of the terrorist group is to sow fear among people by destroying innocent lives and properties and gain attention of the international media.
The more we are afraid, the more they will prevail, she stressed, adding that there is a need for all residents of Western Visayas to unite in preventing terrorist attacks.
Army chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who is a Negrense, yesterday said he is contemplating to recommend that Sulu be placed under Martial Law following the twin bombings.
Two of the police officers injured in the twin bombings used to be assigned in Western Visayas.
Sobejana clarified that his recommendation for Sulu to be placed under Martial Law still has to pass through the military’s
hain-of-command and forwarded to President Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.*
