Eastmincom raises alert level to avert retaliatory attacks

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 17): Eastmincom raises alert level to avert retaliatory attacks

The Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has raised the alert level in its area with more focus on Davao Region’s porous borders to avert retaliatory or reprisal from terrorist groups following the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute on Monday.

Eastmincom spokesperson, Maj. Ezra Balagtey, said the joint border mechanism agreed with Philippine government agencies in Davao Region and the Indonesian government is also implemented particularly along the Celebes Sea.

While the inter-agency border comprehensive plan is still a work in progress, Balagtey said the border crossing facilities on Balut Island in Sarangani town, Davao Occidental and in Cape San Agustin in Governor Generoso, Davao Oriental are in place.

He said the Indonesian Consulate has put own personnel at the facility on Balut Island while the Philippine government has its Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard. There will also be the Bureau of Immigration and the Bureau of Customs.

“Gen. (Rey Leonardo) Guerrero has reviewed the 1975 border agreement with Indonesian to ensure that guidelines are attuned to security landscape in the region,” Balagtey said.

Balagtey said forces are keeping an eye on terrorists entering or exiting through the Celebes Sea especially targeting the foreigners fighting on the side of the Maute group in Marawi.

“Kailangan mabantayan kasi pwede naman na dito papasok (We need to monitor because it is possible they (terrorists) will come in),” Balagtey said in an interview Tuesday.

Balagtey, however, pointed out that the Eastmincom never put down its guards down since the declaration of Martial Law in Mindanao.

So far, Balagtey said Eastmincom never received hard information on reprisal by Maute group sympathizers or allies since Omar and Abu Sayyaf leader Hapilon’s death. “But threat is always there,” he said.

Eastmincom is also monitoring Al Khalifa Philippines, Abu Sayyaf Group, and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) which are also operating parts of Eastmincom’s area. although these groups have never established their cell in the region.

“The commander of Eastern Mindanao Command issued directives to all units to raise the alert level their respective areas of responsibility to prevent any reprisal from the sympathetic groups,” he said.

Balagtey said the tightening of security will include the “intensification of security operations” especially in the areas of convergence, such as malls and places of worships.

He said there will be stricter conduct of checkpoints in some areas to ensure the safety of all citizens in the region Balagtey said the security measures will be also applied to other areas under Eastmincom.

He said the Eastmincom is also coordinating with other stakeholders so that the mechanism provided under Martial Law will be properly imposed without disregarding the respect on human rights.

“In the same manner, we will also continue our presence we made that is providing awareness on violent extremism and terrorism to raise their awareness,” he said.

Balagtey said the whole Eastmincom hopes that the support from the stakeholders on the fight against violent extremism will continue.

“We also ask the community to continue supporting us by reporting any dubious activities and personalities in their areas. So that we can prevent any atrocities to happen,” he said.

Meanwhile, the whole Eastmincom congratulated all operating soldiers of Western Mindanao Command in the Marawi siege for the job well done.

“We are happy for the accomplishment of the Western Mindanao Command in neutralizing Hapilon and Maute,” he said, adding that the accomplishment is a welcome development on the peace and order not just in Marawi City but also in the areas of Eastmincom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/1012998