Army uncovers Maute terror plot

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The military has uncovered an alleged plot by the Maute terrorist group to launch bombings, kidnappings and extortion during the election period in Lanao provinces.

The information was intercepted by the military’s intelligence unit tracking down the remaining Maute group in Lanao del Sur, Col. Romeo Brawner, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said yesterday.

Brawner said the plot was confirmed by some members of the terrorist group, who have surrendered to the military, and documents recovered from the terrorists’ lairs.

“We heard of their plots to conduct bombings, continue their activities of kidnapping and other criminal acts like extortion. But they failed to carry these out due to our relentless operations against them,” Brawner said.

He said reports showed the Maute terrorist group was divided into smaller groups after the deaths of the leaders.

Brawner said intelligence reports indicated the group  has only 15 remaining members.

He said he could not rule out the support the group is receiving from the relatives of its members. 

“Although their relatives know that they are bandits, support is still given,” Brawner said. 

The Western Mindanao Command vowed to deploy additional  security men in several areas in Mindanao after the police listed 454 election hotspots in the region.