Mayor Richard Jaojoco said on Sunday, May 3, that the United States’ security alert following an encounter that left 19 dead in Toboso could have a backlash on future investments in the town .
The US Embassy on Friday warned Americans traveling in Negros to avoid any affiliation with terrorist or insurgent groups.
It said mountainous regions of Negros are considered areas of heightened concern.
Jaojoco said in the past Tsunishi Ship Builders has wanted to invest in Toboso but did not do so after inquiring about rebel activity in the area.
He called on the rebel movement to end the violence so that there can be economic progress for the people of Toboso.
Jaojoco also called on universities sending students to do research in the hinterlands to coordinate with the local government to ensure their safety.
He said locals in Barangay Salamanca, Toboso, where the encounters on April 19 took place were not aware of any research being conducted by some of the 19 fatalities as claimed.*
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