Central Mindanao police on full alert following bomb attacks

KIDAPAWAN, Philippines - The regional police chief of Central Mindanao has directed all units under his jurisdiction to strengthen intelligence monitoring in their respective areas following the series of bomb attacks in various parts of the region. Chief Superintendent Fidel Cimatu Jr. said the full alert status should be observed at all times in all police stations and outposts in the region. “The [Philippine National Police} cannot afford to take chances whenever there is a threat of a terrorist activity,” Cimatu said. The order came following a series of bombings staged by suspected members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that caused tension among residents of Central Mindanao. Cimatu condemned the destructions of properties and the killing and wounding of innocent civilians in General Santos City and some areas in Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces, describing the attacks as 'terrible and despicable'. “We strongly condemned these transgressions as terrible and despicable crimes against God and humanity,” Cimatu said in a press statement. To address a possible escalation of atrocities in the region, a contingency plan has been formulated and is now being implemented by Police Regional Office 12, Cimatu said. The plan will oversee the preparedness of the different operating units in dealing with various crises that will affect the survival of the government institutions, ensure the protection of lives and critical infrastructures, economic key points, defense and security of the community. Aside from augmentation of police forces from the Regional Mobile Group 12 and from other Mindanao-based regions, military offensives were also in full force in the critical areas in Central Mindanao with concentrations in some municipalities and villages in Sultan Kudarat to prevent further incursions. Checkpoints were also intensified to thwart possible MILF atrocities. The regional director also gave assurance that the police organization remains vigilant for any possible terrorist attack. - GMANews.TV