OIC-Mayor urges police, military to intensify security, intel amid terror threat in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 7): OIC-Mayor urges police, military to intensify security, intel amid terror threat in Davao

OIC-Mayor Paolo Duterte urged the military and the police to beef up its security measures and intelligence gathering after he received “unconfirmed” information of terror group targeting Davao City.

In a press statement released by the City Information Office, Duterte had ordered the police and military to beef up security and intensify intelligence gathering to avert possible attacks from an international terror group- the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

According to Paolo, he has 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," he told journalists, although he said he has already coordinated with the city's anti-terrorism group, Task Force Davao, the Davao City Police Office (DCPO), and the Eastern Mindanao Command of the military to get more information about the said threat.

In a press conference on Thursday afternoon, DCPO Director Michael John Dubria said he talked to Paolo on the information but he was told the information has yet to be confirmed. The alleged threat was not also specifically targeted for Davao City.

Based from his intelligence exchange with other government and law enforcement agencies, Dubria said the threat is not confirmed although the city would remain a target given its complex situation and being the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte, who is expected to grace the Hariraya celebration of the Muslims today.

Dubria said there is no ISIS in Mindanao or Davao City in particular. There is not even ISIS-inspired or ISIS affiliated group in the region but there are lawless armed groups existing such as the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Nevertheless, the city chief of police directed all police commanders to intensify security preparations.

Dubria added that there is possible terror threat in Davao just like other places. He noted that in the past there were bombing incidents that targeted the San pedro Cathedral, the Davao International Airport and the Sasa Port.

It may be recalled that explosions hit Davao Airport on March 4, 2003, that left at least 22 people dead and 143 wounded; the Sasa Wharf on April 2, 2003, that left about 17 people and 56 injured.

Dubria said the VM Paolo does not have the intention to alarm the people when he relayed the information publicly but he wanted the police to be on their toes to keep the people safe and secure.

“This is a challenge for us to do our best…but there is no need to be unnecessarily alarmed,” Dubria stressed.

Dubria urged Davaoeños to just stay calm but it does not mean you should not be vigilant anymore. Just be safe and secure,” Dubria said.

Given this, Dubria said the security level will still remain under normal status but more police personnel will be deployed in strategic areas.

This was not the first time that a Davao leader sounded off terror threat in Davao City. In the past, then mayor and now President Duterte asked the people to stay safe after he was warned by no less former President Benigno Aquino III possible terror threats with Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Koronadal and Kidapawan as target areas.

Duterte then urged the people to be vigilant especially that the information came from the President.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=902079