Security forces in Central Mindanao have been alerted following persistent reports that al-Qaeda-linked Islamic extremist groups would stage bombing attacks in the region. The alert was raised as the Antiterrorism Task Force warned that the terror threat in Mindanao remains high, indicating probability of attacks within the month. The Philippine National Police chief, Director General Oscar Calderon, directed all police units in Central Mindanao to stay vigilant. The ATTF reports, culled from intelligence sources, have indicated an increasing movement of terrorist groups and also of explosives. The report had also indicated that attack might be carried out by the Jemaah Islamiah and the Special Operation Group, made up of former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The ATTF added that JI-associated MILF rogue groups who were involved in the recent rash of bombings in Mindanao and who are plotting new attacks were reportedly hiding in MILF enclaves. “This situation hampers government troopers from conducting neutralization missions against the [terrorists] suspects,” the PNP, quoting the ATTF report said in a statement.
The task force also said followers of the slain Abu Sayyaf chieftain, Khadaffy Janjalani have been regrouping in western Mindanao in preparation for bombing missions. “Intensify police visibility operations and checkpoints in Central Mindanao region to check the activities of terrorist groups and prevent the movement of their arms and personnel,” Calderon ordered. The PNP chief also directed security tightened at vital installations such as government facilities, communication sites and public places that are vulnerable to a terrorist attack. “The PNP cannot afford to take chances whenever there is a threat of terrorist activity. I ordered the police to intensify visibility and intelligence monitoring in preempting terrorist from carrying out their activities,” Calderon said.
The ATTF report said the threat level in Metro Manila and in Caraga was moderate, while that in other regions remained low.