Security heightened after clashes with Maute, Abu Sayyaf

CAGAYAN DE ORO – State security forces have vowed not to let their guard down against possible retaliatory actions by terrorists following renewed clashes between government troops and the Maute local terror group in Lanao del Sur and against remnants of the Abu Sayyaf in Bohol.

Captain Joe Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the armed forces are in control of the situation in Lanao del Sur and Bohol.

Martinez said soldiers have already been directed to monitor provincial boundaries in their respective areas of responsibility to guard against terrorists.

“The operation was done in order to contain the group and to prevent them from plotting terror attacks,” says Lieutenant General Carlito Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“We have reasons to believe that the Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-tawi Abu Sayyaf Groups already have ties with the Maute since last year that is why we are in close monitoring of any activities that the Maute might be brewing,” Galvez added.

The military has raised the level of security in the region by putting up more checkpoints in key areas.

The 4ID and the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao are working closely in terms of intelligence gathering and checkpoints in main highways.

Police Director Camilo Cascolan, Philippine National Police Director for Operations, who was in Cagayan de Oro City on Monday, April 24, said policemen must be visible in streets to deter terror and criminal attacks.

Cascolan raised the need for intelligence fusion meetings among the military, police, intelligence coordinating agencies and other law enforcement units to trace the whereabouts of Abu Sayaff.

“Ating reminders sa kapolisan don’t let your guard down. Doon sa Bohol kaya nakuha yung information dahil sa pinakamalaking suporta ng community (We remind the police to don’t let their guard down. The information was taken from Bohol because of the huge support in community),” Cascolan said.

Chief Superintendent Agripino Javier, regional director for Northern Mindanao, said a security plan involving other agencies is already in place.

The police are also verifying every information tipped off by concerned citizens and intelligence community.