Gov. Roel Degamo has a “strong message” for the Abu Sayyaf: “Do not come to Negros Oriental because [if you do,] something will happen to you!”
The Governor made the warning in an interview last week when he confirmed the reactivation of the composite Task Force Leon Kilat, intended as an anti-kidnapping and anti-terrorism group.
Degamo said the members of this task force are scheduled for a training/workshop on anti-kidnapping and anti-terrorism this week.
This comes following fresh intelligence reports indicating that the kidnap-for-ransom group Abu Sayaff has plans of targetting resorts in the world-renown dive destination Apo Island, off the coast of Dauin, Negros Oriental.
But Degamo downplayed the report, saying the threat has always been there, and “we just have to be on our guard”.
He said it is, indeed, a concern, but “we will isolate the Abu Sayyaf so as not to enter our territory”.
Degamo said he met Tuesday morning with members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and other law enforcement agencies to discuss the latest terror threat report following the reactivation of Task Force Leon Kilat.
He convened the task force to discuss security measures and identify the respective roles and responsibilities of each member-group as well as other operational matters.
The workshop is scheduled on March 7 and 8, and will be spearheaded by the AFP’s Central Command based in Cebu City, said Governor Degamo.
He said Task Force Leon Kilat’s security plan will be “connected” or similarly patterned after that of a regional anti-terror task force.
Task Force Leon Kilat members include the provincial government, the Philippine Army, the PNP, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Maritime Police, and the Provincial Disaster Risk- Reduction & -Management Council, Degamo said. (JFP)
