Zamboanga City, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / September 6, 2008) – Police have maintained full alert status in Zamboanga Peninsula in the southern Philippines because of threats of terrorism and possible attacks by rebels, officials said.
Regional police chief Jaime Caringal directed all provincial and city police offices to adopt ample security precaution to protect civilians from terror threats. The order comes amidst continuous threats of attacks from Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels, blamed by authorities for recent deadly rampage in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato provinces.
The rebels launched attacks after the aborted signing of the Muslim territorial deal between peace negotiators. Zamboanga City had been disturbed by rumors and text messages of sightings of MILF gunmen in several villages.
Security forces were pursuing MILF leaders Ameril kato and Abdurahman Macapaar, whom led the series of attacks that killed dozens of innocent civilians in Mindanao.
Local legislators and authorities have recently activated police auxiliary forces, whose primary task is to support and maintain peace and order, especially in far-flung areas here.
At least 48 villages here had been included in the proposed Bangasamoro Juridical Entity, which sparked protests from residents and politicians opposed to the deal.
Provincial authorities in nearby Zamboanga Sibugay also beefed up its security for fear that rebels would mount attacks there. The Abu Sayyaf had previously pillaged the town of Ipil in Zamboanga Sibugay in 1995 that left at least 53 people dead.
Ipil Mayor Edwin Alibutdan said he has already conferred with the police and military authorities, including other agencies and the private sector about the added security precaution in the town. (Erico Rosco)
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