The sky may have appeared to be falling over Metro Manila with the spate of political demonstrations and a supposed coup attempt which prompted President Gloria Arroyo to declare a State of National Emergency last Friday, but it was just another day at the office for Dumaguete City and Oriental Negros.

"I sent the President a fax message of support," Gov. George Arnaiz said late Friday afternoon. Arnaiz had just come from his hometown, Pamplona, when he learned that the President had been calling his office. "I didn't have a signal on my cellphone in Barangay Calicanan this morning," Arnaiz said. Arnaiz said that, as governor and Regional Development Council 7 chairman, he fully supports the decision of the President declaring a State of Emergency and stands solidly behind her. He said he believes that the president's action is backed by verified reports of threats to the security of the state.

Asked if the threats to national security cited by the President also exist in the province, Arnaiz said there is no group in Oriental Negros or even in Western and Central Visayas that is capable of launching an attack against the Arroyo administration.

"I don't know about Leyte and Samar provinces, but I do know that in the other Visayas provinces, we are prepared for any eventuality," Arnaiz said.

Similar declarations of support were extended by Siquijor Gov. Orlando Fua, Sr., who said that the declaration of a State of Emergency is the ultimate weapon of the President to blunt all obstructions to attaining stability. He also branded the opposition's move as destructive to the country's progress.

Media outfits in Dumaguete though, were cautious over the President's declaration, especially after the National Telecommunications Commission said the government may temporarily take over media outfits.

A radio reporter told the DAILY STAR that they were advised by their management to exercise caution in their reportage, especially about the political developments which were unfolding in Malacañang.*AP

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