Southern Mindanao still on high alert
By Mai Gevera
Davao City (18 October) -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) are not lowering their guards as the Southern part of Mindanao still remains on alert level four.
Eastern Mindanao Command chief Rodolfo Obaniana bared that the military’s intelligence is not taking for granted the capability and high intent of the terrorists to do more harm after the recent bombing in Makilala, South Cotabato.
“We are monitoring four to five municipalities which we believe are target of terrorism," said Obaniana.
Though he opted not to disclose the names of these municipalities so as not to create undue alarm, the said official had already met with the mayors of the said towns and discussed precautionary measures to address terrorism.
The AFP has seen similarities of previous bombings that happened in Jolo and the recent bombing in North Cotabato.
“These are connected bombing incidents that employed similar strategies like transfer of funds to create havoc," he added.
EastMinCom has no additional troops to strengthen the operations, however, Obaniana has ordered the elements for more visibility and sharper intelligence operations.
He said that there is a movement of troops from old stations to a more threatened areas as identified by the military.
Obaniana also clarified that the military is not tagging the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on the said bombing, although the AFP is taking a look on such angle after some talks linking the MILF on what happened. (PIA XI) [top]
