Army ups threat level in Davao amid incidents in neighboring areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 19): Army ups threat level in Davao amid incidents in neighboring areas

The Philippine Army has raised the threat level in Davao Region to three, indicating that a terrorist threat is imminent because of the region's proximity to Central Mindanao, where there is a notable presence of threat groups.

The threat groups include the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the Abu Sayyaf and the communist New People’s Army (NPA), said Brig. Gen Ernesto Torres, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade, and Col. Nolasco Mempin, chief of the Task Force Davao, on Wednesday.

However, both officials clarified that although the threat is high, there are no confirmed reports on the presence of terrorist groups in the region.

Both Army officials attended the AFP-PNP press corps at Task Force Davao headquarters to brief the local media on the government's security measures, following the blasts that rocked several areas of Mindanao in recent weeks.

Torres explained that Security Alert Level 3 was raised because Davao Region is contiguous to areas, where security incidents, such as the bombings in Region 12 and terrorist activities in Central Mindanao, have recently occurred.

Outside of Davao City, Torres said Talaingod town in Davao del Norte continues to face challenges from the communist rebel group, although the government forces are gaining ground because of the recent surrender of a large number of NPA combatants and  supporters.

“We are relentless in our effort in getting as much security personnel as possible,” said Torres, whose brigade covers Davao City and parts of Davao del Norte.

In Davao City, Mempin assured that there are no ISIS-linked groups that have been monitored in the city. However, he added that "we do not let our guards down versus threat. We ensure the safety of the people, our visitors."

"Gusto natin i-secure lahat ng installation, strikto yong mga checkpoints natin, searches and inspections (We want all installations secured. We are strict in the checkpoints, our searches and inspections),” Mempin said.

The intesified security measures, he said, are designed to preempt terrorist activities or spillover of attacks from neighboring areas, he added.

“We cannot predict when or where they will strike,” he added.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, said troops have also been conducting military operations and security patrol in the hinterlands.

"We are prepared for the possible impact of the security incidents in neighboring areas," Lamosao said.

Police Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, Police Regional Office-11 spokesperson, said the police force remains on full alert.

Driz said all police units in the region have been ordered to harden target areas and mobilize additional units to ensure the safety of the public.

Police Senior Supt. Andrew Cayad, Regional Maritime Unit-11 chief, said the maritime group has been conducting routine patrols in the region's coastal areas in coordination with other law enforcement units.