By Rommel F. Lopez
Security has been tightened in Mindanao following the deadly June 28 attack in a military camp in Sulu province.
Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office (PRO) Director Rafael Santiago Jr. directed police commanders of the region to increase security measures and police presence on the streets to preempt terror attacks on important establishments and public places.
“We are implementing strict security protocols not only on police checkpoints but on our regional borders to ensure the safety of the public in relation to the Sulu attack,” he said in a press statement.
However, there were no imminent terror threats in the region, according to PRO-Northern Mindanao spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Surki Serenas. He said Santiago’s order was for the police force to remain alert and vigilant.
In Davao region, Police Regional Office (PRO)-11 Director Brig. Gen. Marcelo Morales raised a full alert level on the region effective June 30 midnight. He also ordered the establishment and strengthening of checkpoints in cities and municipalities in the region.
Morales also ordered the deployment of the maximum number mobile patrols and increased police visibility especially in highly populated areas. He also ordered intensified intelligence monitoring and sharing of information with other intelligence units and close coordination with private security providers and security managers to establish and enhance joint security protocols.
Meanwhile, military units in Western Mindanao were placed on red alert immediately after the blast.
According to Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Maj. Arvin Encinas, this was the highest alert status signaling an imminent threat.
Two suspected bombers stormed the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Sitio Tanjung, Barangay Kajatian, Indanan town on Friday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of seven people and the wounding of 22 others.