Mayor denies ASG presence in Dauin

Since two months ago, no single incident of any presence of Abu Sayyaf Group members in Dauin town of Negros Oriental, where Apo fsland is located.

Dauin Mayor Neil Credo said tourist arrivals in his town had even increased, with average arrivals from 250 to 300 every day, mostly foreigners.

One foreign national even said Apo Island is the safest among the tourist destinations in the Visayas, especially after the incident in fnabanga, Bohol.

However, Credo said the local government is not taking chances and deployed the so-called “sea warriors” on a patrol boat manned by Police Environmental Desk Office (PEDO) personnel, and some regular and job order employees of the LGU, aside from the contingents from the Army, the Navy and the Coast Guard.

The Dauin government also organized the fishermen and barangay officials along the coastal areas, and briefed them on the existing threat.

Credo also said he has established direct links to about 30 beach resorts in the town, for them to strengthen their in-house security, implement the Dauin “First Policy” of hiring Dauinañons first in their resorts before the outsiders.

This was prompted by information that criminal elements, including the ASG, who were mobilizing spotters to work as cooks or waiters in resorts. Others are selling or peddling pieces of jewelry to be able to penetrate the community.