Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson. File Photo

By Eugene Y. Adiong, Manila Times

March 14, 2023 

BACOLOD CITY: Checkpoints may scare away tourists, especially foreigners, Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson claimed on Monday.

"I understand that there are more security checkpoints in Negros Oriental. This is not good for tourism, especially for foreigners," Lacson said.

The governor added that Filipinos "understand checkpoints but foreigners don't like it."

Police and military checkpoints were established 21 areas in the island to heighten security and help pursue the suspects behind the assassination of Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo who remain at large.

"Basically, the instructions of the President was to suppress criminal activities and impunity in Negros Oriental," said Lacson, adding that the Philippine Army sent reinforcements in the province.

"This is the judgement call of Defense Secretary Carlito Galvez to carry out the order of the President. Hopefully, they can resolve the issue on the suspects that have not been arrested yet. It would be good if they could be identified as to their whereabouts and arrested."

He also said that the sooner the security forces apprehend the suspects "the better for the island."

"Negros Occidental is open for tourists. We just have to be prepared, especially resort owners to accept more visitors," he said.

Meanwhile, Maj. Cenon Pancito, acting spokesman of Special Joint Task Force Negros (SJTFN), said that a ceremonial send-off of troops from the 11th, 62nd, 94th, 7th, 79th and 15th Infantry Battalions was held on Sunday in Siaton, Negros Oriental, following the activation of the task force for the security operations in the second and third districts of Negros Oriental.

The SJTFN is composed of the Army's 302nd and 303rd Infantry Brigade, and six of its Army battalions, as well as PNP Special Action Force and other police units.

On the other hand, Lt. Col. Roderick Salayo, 11th Infantry Battalion commander, said troops were deployed in the third district of Negros Oriental, including Basay, Bayawan City, Santa Catalina, Siaton, Dauin, Zamboanguita and Bacong areas.

"Seaports as well as airports will also be covered," Salayo said.

The Philippine National Police has also deployed additional Special Action Force troopers to augment local police units.

Salayo allayed fears that their additional tasking will compromise their anti-insurgency operations.