BOOKINGS AT beach resorts in Maasin have been canceled and several activities lined up by the local government were canceled following an attack on Nov. 24 by the communist New People’s Army (NPA) on government forces, which left one police officer dead and 12 battalion members injured. “We have three resorts in the town and many guests have canceled their bookings,” Mayor Mariano M. Malones, Sr. said in a radio interview. He also cited that the security concern has forced the local government to cancel the scheduled Children’s Festival last Nov. 25 and a dental mission scheduled this week. Mr. Malones said the latest incident adversely taints the peace and order image of the town, located about 30 kilometers from Iloilo City. On July 18, the NPA raided the Maasin Police Station in broad daylight. The mayor appealed to the military and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to step up efforts to stop the NPA, who are believed to be present in six of the town’s 50 barangays. Mr. Malones pointed out that the town, through concerted effort, has succeeded in gaining recognition as being free from illegal drugs, hence it should also be able to realize an insurgency-free tag. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

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