AFP seeks help of Muslims in Metro in arresting terrorist

From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 8): AFP seeks help of Muslims in Metro in arresting terrorist

THE Armed Forces is coordinating with the Muslim community in Metro Manila for the arrest of members of the Maute Group who are said to have taken refuge with relatives in the metropolis.

“Our thrust is to touch base with the Muslim community to alienate the Maute members...  We are exerting efforts to ensure the safety of Metro Manila,” a senior military official said on condition of anonymity.

The source said initial coordination has been made with Muslim religious leaders and businessmen.

“The objective is to prevent violent extremism in NCR (National Capital Region),” the source said.

On Saturday, security forces arrested Maute sub-leader Abdul Nasser Lomondot in Manila. He took part in the five-month Marawi City siege but managed to slip out of the military cordon in the city.

The Marawi conflict, which broke out May 23, resulted in the death of 974 terrorists, 168 soldiers and policemen and 47 civilians.

Officials earlier said Lomondot arrived in Metro Manila sometime last month, mainly to hide from security forces who are pursuing remnants of the terrorist group involved in the bloody siege of Marawi.

“There is a big possibility but we cannot give you the details,” the source said when asked if there are other Maute members currently in Metro Manila. “We cannot dismiss that possibility... They, migrating to Metro Manila, is a big possibility,” he added.

The source nevertheless said they have not received any information about an imminent attack in Metro Manila but said the military establishment is reading to respond to any terrorist activity.

“Metro Manila is stable but our troops are ready for any eventuality. What’s important is ready to render immediate response,” the source said.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/afp-seeks-help-muslims-metro-arresting-terrorist