Army tightens security in Mindanao

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Following the bombing of an Army base in Indanan, Sulu last Friday, security in central Mindanao has been tightened.

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are monitoring the movements of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a known ally of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Security has also been tightened in parts of Lanao del Sur, where remnants of the Maute terror group are reportedly in hiding.

The Abu Sayyaf, BIFF and Maute operate in the fashion of the Islamic State (IS), known for fomenting animosity toward non-Muslims.

Brig. Gen. Marni Marcos of the BARMM police office said yesterday that intelligence units in the region are conducting an investigation into the blast that killed eight people, three of them soldiers.

At least 22 others were hurt in the blast, which the IS has claimed was the work of two suicide bombers.

Marcos said the police in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur are monitoring markets, terminals and other busy areas.

“We also have parallel security efforts in Sulu, Tawi-Tawi and Basilan provinces,” Marcos added.

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of the Western Mindanao Command said they will use force to quell potential threats to Muslim, Christian and indigenous communities in the region.