Sun.Star: Troops in Mindanao remain on 'combat alert'

MANILA, Philippines - Police and military forces in Mindanao remain on "combat alert" to avoid a repeat of the series of attacks by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces, including the takeover of the Kolambugan Municipal Hall in Lanao del Norte Province. Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr said pursuit operations are ongoing and there is no need to augment the current police and military forces. Presidential political adviser and Interior Secretary Ronaldo Puno said the government has successfully retaken the Kolambugan Municipal Hall, but advised the people, especially from the affected areas, to exercise caution. Puno also advised the people against the use of arms, assuring that government forces are there to defend them as instructed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. He added that charges are now being readied against Commander Bravo for leading the attack in Lanao del Norte, similar to cases set to be filed against Commander Umbra Kato after his men forcibly took over several barangays in North Cotabato Province last week. He said once warrants of arrest for the two MILF leaders are issued, they would seek the help of the MILF central committee to serve them. Teodoro, who said the North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte incidents are biggest ceasefire violations since he assumed the defense portfolio last year, said authorities are also looking at possible cohorts of the two Moro rebels especially Bravo. He also branded the attack in three towns in Lanao del Norte as a terrorist act which is unjustified and only intended to sow terror. - Sun.Star