Mindanao-wide alert up to prevent terror attacks

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Troops and police in the whole of Mindanao have been placed on the highest alert to prevent the Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and the New People’s Army (NPA) from wreaking havoc during the period before the May 14 elections.

However, security officials allayed fears of any impending terror attack in the Zamboanga Peninsula, where the military’s western Mindanao headquarters is based.

Brig. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command deputy commander, said a large gathering of people could be a target of terrorists in Mindanao.

"The terrorist militants will be capitalizing on the situation and inflict maximum damage to sow fear," he said.

In a report to Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Calderon, the Anti-Terrorism Task Force said police and troops have been placed on high alert status in the Zamboanga peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Davao Region, SOCCSKSARGEN Region, Caraga Region, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Sabban said they have alerted police and military commands in these regions to put in place security measures to avert any possible terror strikes by the Abu Sayyaf, JI and the NPA.

Chief Superintendent Jaime Caringal, Zamboanga Peninsula police commander, said that the government has mobilized enough security forces to counter any threat from enemies of the state.

The threat is centered in Sulu due to the continued presence of the JI and the Abu Sayyaf in that province, he added.

Caringal said they have also monitored other threats like the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the NPA.

Security remains high in remote areas in the Zamboanga provinces because the NPA has been reported to be extorting "permit to campaign fees" from candidates, he added.

Around 7,000 troops are running after the Abu Sayyaf sheltering JI bombers Dulmatin —who goes by one name—and Umar Patek in Sulu.

The manhunt has already included Malaysian-born JI leader Zulkifli bin Hir, who is reported to be also hiding in the jungles of Sulu.