TACLOBAN CITY—The Philippine National Police has tightened security in coastal communities in Eastern Visayas after the foiled attack of the Abu Sayyaf Group in nearby Bohol province.
Chief Insp. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, PNP Eastern Visayas spokesperson, said Tuesday coastal villages have been guarded by police, especially in Biliran and Southern Leyte provinces, given their proximity to Mindanao and Bohol.
“The Police Regional Office directed police stations in the provinces and towns to double their security measures. The intelligence community has been stepping up coordination efforts. The intelligence fusion started after the Hilongos town plaza bombing on Dec. 28, 2016,” the official said.
Rentuaya assured that Eastern Visayas is generally safe, noting there are no reports about the presence of Abu Sayyaf members in the region.