Security beefed up over possible Maute presence in Iligan, Cagayan de Oro
Black smoke from air strikes fills the sky as fighting continues in Marawi city, southern Philippines Friday, June 9, 2017. It's unclear how many people remain trapped in Marawi as government troops battle Muslim militants led by the so-called "Maute" group but army officers have put the figure this week at anywhere from 150 to 1,000. AP/Aaron Favila
MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Friday admitted that some members of the Maute terror group may have entered the cities of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.
AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that heightened security measures are now enforced in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro to ensure the safety of the communities.
"Hindi po natin dinede-deny na maaaring mayroong iilan na nakalusot sa patuloy na pag-alis ng ilang evacuees sa Marawi papunta sa ibang lugar katulad ng Iligan at Cagayan de Oro. Itong mga indibidwal na ito maaaring nakalusot at hindi sila na-proseso at nakita na maaring naging myembro," Padilla said in a press briefing at Malacañang.
The military called on the citizens of the two cities to increase security posture by being vigilant, alert and watchful of their surroundings.
The residents of Iligan and Cagayan de Oro are advised to get the attention of authorities if they see suspicious looking characters or if there are items unnecessarily left in any place.
"May angkop po tayong inilatag na security para po sa mga lugar na 'yan at patuloy pong isinasagawa 'yan kaya po ang atin pong abiso sa lahat lalo na po sa ating mga mamamayan sa Cagayan De Oro at saka sa Iligan ay ipagpaumanhin nyo na po 'yung pagkaantala n'yo sa mga checkpoint," Padilla said.
The AFP has coordinated with local government units and other partners to heighten the security in the two cities.
Padilla added that the siege in Marawi will not happen to Iligan and Cagayan de Oro.
"They (Maute) don't have the capacity to do what they did in Marawi anymore. Their capabilities have been significantly degraded and they have specifically targeted Marawi to sow terror, wreak havoc, possibly kidnap people, destroy homes, schools... and that is exactly what they did," the military spokesman said.
Padilla said the military is taking proactive measures to ensure that an attempt to sow terror in such areas will be prevented.
"Any kind of action of that extent will not happen in Iligan and Cagayan de Oro," Padilla said.
On May 23, President Rodrigo Duterte declared martial law and suspended the writ of habeas corpus in Mindanao following a clash between government forces and the Maute terror group.
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