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[av_heading heading=’ Isabela on ‘red alert’’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”]
BY MAE SINGUAY
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BACOLOD City – The local government of Isabela in Negros Occidental is on “red alert status.”
They were preparing for any attack similar to the ambush of police officers in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental last month, Mayor Joselito Malabor said in a radio interview yesterday.
Six police officers and a civilian were killed in the ambush staged by the New People’s Army (NPA) in a hinterland village in Guihulngan.
Guihulngan is around 45 kilometers east of Isabela.
Malabor said they also received information about a supposed encounter between NPA rebels and the military in Guihulngan that killed nine government troops.
The clash happened three weeks before the attack on Guihulngan police officers but was subject to a “news blackout,” said Malabor.
Major General Jon Aying, commander of the Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, denied there was any such encounter.
Malabor himself admitted to being unable to verify such information.
But the local chief executive said it was enough for the municipal government to be on guard – hence, the red alert status.
Barangay tanods and disaster response reservists will actively help maintain peace and order in the town, said Malabor.
Meanwhile, Malabor thanked his police force – led by newly assigned commander, Chief Inspector Ruben Pajarito – for conducting six antidrug operations that led to the arrest of several suspects within just a week.
Malabor said he directed Pajarito to make Isabela No. 1 in Negros Occidental in terms of drug-related apprehensions and vowed to provide the police force whatever they need./PN
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