Military on ‘heightened’ alert

GOVERNMENT troops in Lanao del Sur have gone on red alert for possible retaliations to be waged by the remnants of terrorist Dawlah Islamiya (DI), whose nine members were killed in Piagapo town battle last week.

Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray 3rd, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said soldiers continue to hunt for at least six terrorists wounded during a fierce gun battle.

“That is one of the angles we are looking into, and it is also possible,” said Viray, commander of the Zamboanga del Sur-based

Army’s 1st Infantry Division, referring to the possible scenario.

Viray said troops in these areas have already been alerted against such retaliatory attacks, which he said may include bombing and liquidations.

“We have alerted our troops to be vigilant for possible retaliatory attacks, not only bombings but also liquidations, just in case,” said Viray, adding troops in these areas are on “heightened alert.”

“It’s an SOP (standard operating procedure) on our part. It’s better to be vigilant than not. We alerted our troops to be vigilant and prepare for any possible retaliatory attacks just in case,” he said.

On January 27, the military reported the killing of nine DI members in a clash with troops from the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion in Piagapo town last Thursday.

Nine high-powered firearms were also seized by the troops.

Two of the slain DI members, identified as Saumay Saiden and Abdul Hadi, were said to be involved in the Dec. 3, 2023 bombing at the Mindanao State University in Marawi City that left four people dead and 50 others injured.

Military officials have said the bombing was in retaliation to the killing of three extremist leaders in separate encounters with the military in separate locations in previously held sanctuaries of the terrorist group in Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Sur and Basilan.

The terrorist leaders killed were Alandoni Macadaya Lusadato, Abu Sayyaf Group leader Mundi Sawadjaan and Abdullah Sapal.

Viray said that as of Wednesday afternoon, January 31, were conducting pursuit operations against the remnants of the group they encountered last Thursday.

“As of the moment, they are in disarray and on the run,” said Viray, referring to the rebels.

“But we cannot discount the possibility of retaliatory attacks against our troops through liquidation and other terror actions. But as to bombings, it is very remote as of the moment,” added Viray.