Military gears for Maute, Sayyaf retaliatory attacks

From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 27): Military gears for Maute, Sayyaf retaliatory attacks

THE military has beefed up security in vital installations and public places in the Lanao and Zamboanga provinces to foil any retaliatory or diversionary attack that might be launched by the Maute Group and its ally, the Abu Sayyaf group.

Maj. Gen. Rolando Bautista, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, ordered the heightened security measures following military operations in Piagapo town, Lanao del Sur, which resulted in the death of a number of Maute members and the capture of its camp.

Government troops assaulted the Maute lair last Friday and captured it after three days of fighting. The operation led to the killing of 38 Maute members, initially 36, including three Indonesians and a Malaysian.

Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera, 1st ID spokesman, said security measures were intensified not only in the Lanao provinces but also in the Zamboanga provinces because of the Maute Group’s links with the Abu Sayyaf and other terrorist groups.

The Abu Sayyaf, whose main activity is kidnapping for ransom, is known to have presence in Zamboanga del Sur, Zamboanga del Norte, and Zamboanga City. The group’s 300 to 400 members are mostly based in the provinces of Sulu and Basilan.

“Historically, when they suffer losses like this, they do actions to mislead the government forces. (We’re watching) crowded areas, vital installations. We continue to secure the crowded areas and important areas, especially in areas near Iligan, Marawi (cities),” he said.

He said the security measures adopted to thwart potential retaliatory moves of the Maute Group and its allies include route security and establishment of checkpoints.

Herrera also said the number of Maute members killed in the operations rose to 38 with the recovery of another cadaver on Tuesday. This brings to four the enemy bodies so far recovered on site. The other deaths are based on reports received by the military.

He said clearing operations at the seized enemy camp were still continuing as of yesterday. He said the group planted improvised explosive devices in their lair.

He said soldiers involved in the clearing operations got a treat from Bautista last Tuesday. “He sent food to the ground, including roasted chicken, for our troops,” he said.

He also said three soldiers who were wounded in the fighting were awarded medals by Bautista last Tuesday. One of the three returned to the frontline after treatment. He declined to name the soldier for security reasons.

Herrera said government forces continue to pursue the remnants of the 162-man group that government forces encountered.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/military-gears-maute-sayyaf-retaliatory-attacks-0