THERE is no truth that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) has established presence in the town of Don Salvador Benedicto, the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) clarified Thursday, January 7, 2021.
Police Lieutenant Abegael Donasco, NOCPPO spokesperson, said they do not have any confirmation coming from the intelligence branch if the MNLF really did reach the town.
Donasco said she has also coordinated with Don Salvador Benedicto town police chief, Police Lieutenant Ignacio Javier, over the reports.
Based on information that surfaced back in November 2020, 10 individuals who claimed to be members of the MNLF tried to attend a rally held in neighboring San Carlos City.
However, the individuals were denied passage as they do not have any pertinent documents to travel in the area.
Third Infantry Division Spokesperson Army Major Cenon Pancito III, meanwhile, said they had received information for a long time that the MNLF has a presence in Western Visayas particularly in Negros.
However, when they coordinated with officials from the MNLF, they denied that they had any presence in the region.
Both NOCPPO and the Philippine Army assured residents of the province that they are monitoring those entering the province against any armed groups.
