PNP: Western Visayas terrorist-free

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – Western Visayas is free of Maute militants, an official has said.

Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, regional police spokesman, made the assurance amid persistent reports on the alleged plan of Maute militants to launch attacks in major cities on June 30.

“We are intensifying police visibility in places of convergence like malls, churches and schools among others,” the Western Visayas police said in a statement.

Gorero said they are coordinating with private security groups and other government agencies to secure the region  against lawless elements. 

He said unit commanders were ordered to coordinate with Muslim communities and account evacuees from Mindanao, particularly from Marawi.

The military said government forces eliminated the terrorist threat in the entire Visayas after the remaining Abu Sayyaf bandits who entered Bohol in April were neutralized.

Maj. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz, disputed social media posts quoting the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency on the supposed terror attacks.

“We did receive the information, but we are not circulating them,” Aying said.

The police warned the public against posting and sharing unverified information on social media even as they asked them to remain vigilant.