Police says no ISIS presence in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines (First published 4:35 p.m.) — Davao Police denied existence of the so-called Islamic State terror organization in the region and even in Mindanao.

At 3 p.m. today, the city's police director Chief Superintendent Michael John Dubria called a sudden press conference to clarify reports spreading that the city received threats from the international terror group.

"The information is unconfirmed. There is no presence of ISIS here in the region and in Mindanao, not even ISIS affiliated groups," Dubria said.

Earlier today, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte said he has ordered the police and the military to intensify intelligence monitoring to avoid possible attacks from the international terror group.

"We are intensifying the gathering of information. We cannot disclose details or confirm anything as of yet," Duterte said.

Dubria, however, tried to assuage fears of those who were alarmed of the pronouncement of the vice mayor, saying the threats are not new to Davao City as terror groups have always been interested in disrupting peace and order here.

"The city as well as the region's police always had a good coordination with the army and the marines, we are always prepared," he added.

In previous reports, the Davao Police released the identities of terrorists who are operating in Mindanao as they also received information that they are going to attack during the One Love: One Nation Thanksgivng Party last June 4 at the Crocodile Park in Brgy. Maa, Diversion Road, Davao City.

"We were able to secure everyone's safety back then and thankfully, nothing bad happened," Dubria said after he admitted that they received the same kind of threats on June 4 and on Thursday.

"Sa amin naman kasi, walang not serious or serious threat, they are all threats to us and we (police) are always prepared," he said.

Duterte, who is acting-mayor of the city until his sister Sara reports back for work on July 22, said that the city is facing threats from ISIS.

Dubria said that the Duterte was approached by a person who relayed the information of a possible attack coming.

"Nevertheless, the police is doing their best to protect the people. The residents have nothing to worry about. They have to be calm but not unaware. Be vigilant, still," Dubria ended. — with Patricia Lourdes Viray

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Patricia Lourdes Viray reported from Manila.