PNP goes on full alert in MM and Mindanao in preparation for possible diversionary attacks of Moslem rebels in Basilan and Sulu

By Ronron
August 21, 2007

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has implemented a full alert status beginning last Monday in Metro Manila and Mindanao in preparation for possible diversionary attacks by Moslem extremists being hunted by government forces in Basilan and Sulu.

PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Samuel Pagdilao, Jr. said Tuesday that the move, which took effect starting 11am the other day (Monday), is also in line with the ongoing Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministerial Meeting in Makati City.

“It’s full alert for the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and in Mindanao regions. But in Visayas regions, it is downgraded to heightened alert,” Pagdilao said.

Pagdilao said the raising of the alert level is “to preclude spillover or diversionary activities from the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) or its allied groups to release pressure coming from military offensives in Basilan and Sulu.”

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Hermogenes Esperon, Jr. said Monday night that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has ordered the government forces to prepare for total security in Mindanao “in anticipation of possible spillovers” of the fightings in Basilan and Sulu.

He admitted that they are not discounting the possibility that Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members based in Central Mindanao, particularly in the Lanao and the Cotabato provinces, could launch sympathy attacks, even if he expressed confidence that the ceasefire agreement stands strongly.

“We have already deployed sufficient forces in those areas starting July 10. There had been an additional five battalions that were deployed to those areas to secure infrastructures, government centers and population centers,” Esperon said.

The government’s representative with the joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), Brig. Gen. Edgardo Gurrea, said Tuesday that his counterpart with the MILF has assured him that their fighters in Central Mindanao will not launch sympathy attacks.

“There were information but the International Monitoring Team verified it on the ground and found it to be negative,” Gurrea said in a phone interview.

Pagdilao said the police regional directors in Mindanao (Regions 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or CARAGA, and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or ARMM) were given the discretion by PNP chief Gen. Oscar Calderon to downgrade or upgrade the alert level, “depending on the situation obtaining in their area of responsibility.”

Heavy fighting last erupted in Basilan last Saturday between ASG rebels and Marine troopers, resulting in the death of 15 Marine soldiers, one Air Force pilot, and reportedly 42 bandits.

Over a week ago, Army and Marine troopers also clashed in Sulu against ASG and renegade Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) members in four different instances, killing 27 soldiers and wounding several others.

On July 10, government troops looking for abducted Italian priest Fr. Gian Carlo Bossi were ambushed in Al-Barka, Basilan by MILF members, but 10 of the 14 killed soldiers were allegedly beheaded later by ASG rebels./DMS