Visayas police on alert after Marawi siege

MANILA, Philippines - Even in the absence of any threat from terrorist groups, the Western and Central Visayas police are on alert following the declaration of martial law in Mindanao.

Western Visayas was placed on full alert as of 10 a. m. yesterday, said Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, regional police spokesman.

Gorero said this means vacation leaves of policemen would be recalled and their days off cancelled. He said provincial and city police directors were also ordered to strengthen security measures.

“They must ensure target hardening on vital installations and key economic points,” Gorero said.

Field commanders were instructed to coordinate with Muslim communities and barangay officials in case “suspicious visitors” are spotted in areas within their jurisdiction.

Gorero said airports, seaports, transport terminals and coastlines would be monitored while checkpoints might be put up at any time.

Brig. Gen. Jon Aying of the 3rd Infantry Division said they have not monitored any terror threat in Western Visayas.

Lt. Gen. Oscar Lactao, Central Visayas Command chief, earlier said government forces had eliminated the terrorist threat in the Visayas after the two remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits who entered Bohol last month were neutralized in military offensives last week.

Meanwhile, Central Visayas is on ”constant alert,” said Chief Superintendent Robert Badian, regional police officer-in-charge.

Badian said they support the declaration of martial law in Mindanao, noting that it would be easier for government forces to neutralize terrorists and their supporters. He said they would send troops to Mindanao if necessary.

“We enjoin everybody to be extra vigilant and report suspicious persons to the nearest police station,” he said.

Badian also appealed to the public to avoid posting or sharing terrorist propaganda on social media.