Gov’t forces intensify ops in key cities

From the Daily Tribune (Apr 27): Gov’t forces intensify ops in key cities

Government forces have intensified security operations in key cities in Mindanao to thwart any possible diversionary or retaliatory attacks coming from terrorist groups now being pursued in Lanao del Sur.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, spokesman of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division (ID), said that Brig. Gen. Rolando Bautista, commander of 1st ID has ordered troops to secure vital installations and avoid collateral damage.

“He issued instruction to secure all vital installations to avoid diversionary attacks by the enemy,” said Herrera.

Bautista’s order covered vital installations and places of convergence in the cities of Iligan, Marawi and even Zamboanga.

The move, Herrera said, was based on the history of the targeted groups, particularly the Maute group and the Abu Sayyaf, which usually conducts diversionary or retaliatory attacks when pinned down in certain area.

Currently, military operations are still ongoing against the Maute group in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur where 38 terrorists, including foreigners, had been killed since the offensives were launched last week.

“Historically, they conduct actions to mislead the government forces…so we are continuously securing public places and important areas in Iligan, Marawi…and even Zamboanga,” said Herrera.

“We have route security, checkpoint operations, civil military operations,” he added.

Bautisa also ordered for the troops to closely coordinate with other government agencies, particularly local government units, to ensure public safety and security.

Herrera also cited the links between the Maute group, the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups.

“Diversionary, retaliatory…are the dangerous moves of our enemies. We know their tactics, so we are on guard,” he said.

Last September, the Maute group exploded an improvised explosive device (IED) at a night market in Davao City –killing 14 people and wounded 70 others, to ease military pressure from the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/gov-t-forces-intensify-ops-in-key-cities