AFP: Slain Mautes’ kin may retaliate

MANILA, Philippines - The military is not discounting the possibility of sympathy attacks from supporters and relatives of the Maute group in Marawi City.  

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-Public Affairs Office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo pointed out that so far 513 extremists have been killed, which means retaliatory attacks are possible.

Arevalo said sympathy and retaliatory attacks from relatives and supporters are being considered as possible sources of security threats in other parts of Mindanao which, fortunately with the help of the extension of martial law to Dec. 31, could be prevented.  

Arevalo stressed that martial law is an important tool in combat operations and the rehabilitation of Marawi City because the military cannot brush aside possibilities that there will be other groups that would want to worsen the situation and make the government fail.

The AFP cannot say where the possible sympathy attacks could be launched since President Duterte could have had access to information yet to reach the military, he said.

“But we are very firm in our commitment to finish the Marawi crisis, where we are already in the concluding part,” he added.

Stay alive

AFP chief Gen. Eduardo Año ordered troops to stay alive to witness the conclusion of the battle in Marawi.

Año visited the troops in the frontlines at the Kilala detachment where he was briefed on the developments by Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.

Año also told the troops not to rush in fighting the Maute extremists.

“I want everyone to be alive when we finish this,” he said.

Año likened the military operations in Marawi to a basketball game, reminding the troops that they are ahead “in the last two minutes” and should not be complacent.

“We must be more motivated and more persistent. Many among our soldiers want to be here to help, but not everyone is given this rare chance to be here, to fight,” Año said.

“Just remember that what you are doing is not only for the country, but also for the future,” he added.

The military said the Maute militants have been confined in two areas after the troops breached their frontline defense.

Año lauded the ground commanders and assured them of Glock handguns as a gift for a well job done.

He also asked them to document all the heroic deeds of the soldiers for recognition. – With Roel Pareño