AFP, PNP raise alert levels in Mindanao

(Updated 4:14 p.m.) Philippine security forces in western Mindanao will be on full alert this week as the holy Islam month of Ramadan draws to a close, especially with the prospect of retaliatory attacks from the Abu Sayyaf. Radio dzBB reported Monday the police will concentrate on security around mosques while the military will help look out for other threats. The report said the PNP also asked the Muslim community for understanding for the full alert status, saying it is meant to make sure the bandits cannot sow violence at this time.
Chief Superintendent Angelo Sumlao, head of the directorate for integrated police operations in Western Mindanao, said their priority is to protect civilians in the volatile region. On Sunday, PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa placed police forces in Western Mindanao on full alert after police killed three Abu Sayyaf militants in a clash in Sulu. (See: Abu Sayyaf sub-leader, 2 others killed in Sulu) Gafur Jumdail, younger brother of Abu Sayyaf leader Gumbahali Jumdail a.k.a. Dr. Abu, and two of his men were killed late Saturday near Maimbung town in Jolo Saturday. In an interview on GMA Network's Unang Balita, PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz said Verzosa has instructed police forces in Mindanao to give daily assessment whether there would be a spillover of hostilities in Metro Manila. Likewise, Cruz said police forces in Metro Manila have been directed to intensify further security measures being implemented in the National Capital Region. For his part, Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Raymund Ferrer: "We've decided to raise our alert level to red in anticipation of [a] possible spillover of hostile actions as a result of the killing of one of the [Abu Sayyaf's] commander in Maimbung, Sulu." Ferrer said that they are on the lookout for contact groups of the Abu Sayyaf who are enaged in kidnap-for-ransom and extortion activities in southern Philippines, particularly in Central Mindanao. "While it is too early to say that retaliatory actions may occur, it is best that we are prepared," he added. — RSJ, GMANews.TV