The communists rebels have reportedly stepped in the row between the management of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center Aquaculture Department (Seafdec/AQD) and the scientists and other research staff. This is according to Col. Leo Fojas, chief of the Philippine Army's Task Force Panay, who said that they received information stating that several members of CPP-NPS's Sparrow were spotted at the Seafdec/AQD Station in Tigbauan, Iloilo. Fojas said they continue to monitor such movement.

Dalnig, J. D. (2004, March 29). Army: NPA hitmen seen at Seafdec. Sun Star Iloilo, p. 3.