Region 12 security forces on high alert

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities have tightened security across Region 12, particularly in four provinces and two major cities, for any possible retaliatory attack from Islamic State (IS)inspired local terror groups, following the death of local terror group leaders Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute and the eventual victory of the government in re-capturing Marawi City.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Gonzales, regional police spokesperson, said the police regional command, has beefed up police security patrol in strategic areas across Region 12, which comprised the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani and the cities of General Santos and Cotabato to thwart possible terror attacks.

Gonzales said security has also been tightened after an improvised explosive device (IED) was detonated near the office of the banana-export firm, Lapanday Corp. in Barangay Kalaong, Maitum, Sarangani last October 15.

Police said unidentified motorcycleriding suspects detonated the improvised bomb fashioned out of an 8-mm mortar.

Police recovered an IS flag believed to have been left behind by the suspects at the scene.

“We are still investigating if the attack was carried out by local terror group sympathetic to ISIS-inspired Maute group,” Gonzales said.

Sarangani province is a known stronghold of JaafarMaguid alias Commander Tokboy, the leader of ISinspired local terror group , AnsarKhilafah Philippines.

Maguid was killed by security forces during an encounter at a beach resort in Kiamba, Sarangani.

Gonzales said security forces have been deployed in government installations and public places amid the celebration of the forthcoming Halloween holiday.