Police on alert for possible retaliatory attacks after death of 10 terror group fighters in Lanao del Sur clash
A CIDG operative shows a Dawlah Islamiyah flag after a fierce clash with a local terror group in Lanao del Sur that left 10 people dead. (photo: CIDG)
Police forces in central and western part of Mindanao were alerted and ordered to step up both defensive and offensive stance to deny any opportunity of retaliatory attack following the death of 10 members of Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in a fierce clash in in Lanao del Sur.
Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said police commanders in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) were directed to continue coordination with the military.
“All our units in Lanao del Sur and nearby areas are on alert and are in constant coordination with our military counterparts in the conduct of operations to crush the remaining threat and eventually bring peace and development to the local communities,” said Nartatez.
Police earlier said that the clash took place during a manhunt operation against suspects identified as alias “Usman” and alias “Muslih,” the supposed amir or leader, and sub-leader of DI-MG, respectively.
When operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG)approached the hideouts of the suspects, the group retaliated and opened fire at the authorities, triggering a heavy gun-battle. Ten DI-MG fighters were killed in the operation, including Usman and Muslih.
Police seized four light weapons such as two M16 rifles, an M4 rifle, an M1 Garand rifle, a caliber 38 revolver; a hand grenade, and several improvised explosive device (IED) components in the area.
Narartez emphasized that the police remain in full control of the security landscape in Lanao del Sur. He noted that while the threat of retaliation exists, the heightened alert status is a proactive measure to safeguard civilians.
Nartatez further encouraged residents to coordinate closely with their local precincts upon any suspicious sighting.
“The PNP will remain relentless in ensuring peace and order in every community. I then call on the public to remain calm but vigilant and report to authorities if they notice the presence of any suspicious individual,” Nartatez said.