PRO-6: WV is still Maute-free region

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Amid reports of the growing entry movements of people from Mindanao to Western Visayas, the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) declared that the region is still free from Maute terror threat.

Superintendent Gilbert Gorero, PRO-6 spokesman, made the assurance amid reports of alleged planned attacks by members of the Islamic State (IS)-backed Maute this June 30.

"On the ongoing crisis caused by Maute group in Marawi and harassment of CPP/NPA, the PRO-6 assures everyone that peace, order and security in Western Visayas remain under control," a PRO-6 statement said.

Further, "joint security forces — the PRO-6, the Philippine Army's 301st Infantry Brigade, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force—are deployed in the entire region. "We are intensifying more police visibility in all places of convergence like malls, churches, and schools, among others," it added.

On the other hand, Gorero said PRO-6 is also coordinating with private security agencies and other government agencies in shielding and protecting Western Visayas against lawless elements. "Unit commanders were directed to engage with Muslim communities and properly account refugees from Mindanao, particularly from Marawi," he added.

The information spreading on social media indicated that the Maute group is planning to conduct massive terror attacks in major cities across the country.

The report, which allegedly came from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA), said that terrorists are planning to hijack LPG, fuel, and oil tankers and use them as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIED).

Both the PNP and the AFP said there's no truth to such report although they advised the citizenry to be vigilant at all times. “It’s a hoax,” said Major General Jon Aying, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division based in Jamindan, Capiz.

“We did receive the information, but we are not the ones circulating that,” Aying said, adding that they are now verifying the information.

Meanwhile, PRO-6 had earlier reminded the public to stop posting and sharing false information that may cause panic among others.

"Further, we humbly appeal to the public to remain vigilant and report all suspicious individual to our PNP hotlines and PRO-6 info text (09498833741/ 09175943753). Let us work and pray together that our united efforts will keep the citizen safe and secured," Gorero said. (FREEMAN)