EMC troops in alert for possible IS terror attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): EMC troops in alert for possible IS terror attacks

While it is still to validate reports that Islamic State (IS) terrorists are threatening Davao City, the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) on Thursday announced that it has placed all its units in alert to prevent possible attacks.

"We are (still validating) this report but nonetheless, our troops are on alert to prevent terrorism in our (area-of-operations)," EMC spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said.

The EMC is tasked to cover and protect Davao Provinces and Compostela Valley.

Earlier, Davao City acting Mayor Paolo Duterte claimed that the city is facing threats from IS militants.

In line with this, Duterte said he has already ordered the police and military to beef up security and intensify intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks from the international terror group.

He said he has already some information about the whereabouts of the group but refused to give specific details. The information, he said, must be validated first.

“We are intensifying the gathering of information. We cannot disclose details or confirm anything as of yet," Duterte said.

He added that he has already coordinated with the city's anti-terrorism group, Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office, and the EMC of the military to get more information about the said threat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=901944