FILE PHOTO: A Philippine Army checkpoint at the entry point of Maguindanao Province in Buluan last May 11, 2013. (PHOTOVILLE International)
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Army 6th Infantry Division warns the public not to immediately believe the electronic messages being spread regarding threats of terrorism following the tragedy in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.
The said viral text message contained the alleged plan of attack by the MILF against military detachments and government facilities, including the slaying of Christians and the blockading of roads given that the Bangsamoro framework agreement is now being held in abeyance for further discussions by the lawmakers after the incident involving the fallen SAF members.
The message was allegedly from AFP headquarters/ intelligence report.
However the Public Information Office of the 6th Infantry Division denies the authenticity of the said message.
“May kumakalat nga po dito na text pero misinformation po yun na nagsasabi daw po sa text na balak nilang ng Christian villages, Christian dominated area. Hindi po galing sa amin yun at wala pong katotohan ang text na yun.”
“A text message has been spreading, but it is just misinformation. It says they will attack Christian villages or Christian dominated areas. This message did not come from us. There is no truth in it,” Captain Joan Pitinglay, public affairs chief of 6th Infantry Division said in an interview.
The Philippine Army continues to assure the public that they are being cautious and alert on any plans of terrorist attacks against Mindanao.
Checkpoints are still in place in highways to intercept possible smuggling of firearms by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The security measures also aim to protect especially those who travel along the roads of Awang, Maguindanao up to Tacurong, South Cotabato.
The Philippine Army is taking all these measures, as it does not dismiss the possibility of attack by the BIFF.
“Pero yung retaliatory reaction kasi ng BIFF na like harassment sa military detachment expected po namin yan kasi everytime na namamatayan ang grupo na yan before nagka-conduct agad ng retaliatory reaction sa military detachment.”
“We already expect some retaliatory reaction from BIFF like harassments in military detachments. Everytime a member of this group dies, they immediately conduct retaliatory reaction in military detachments,” Capt. Pitinglay said.
Meanwhile, the police remain vigilant following the bombings that happened last week in the cities of Zamboanga and Cotabato.
The public is advised to be alert and cautious against any suspicious acts or lost and found luggage in public areas and to immediately report like incidents to the proper authority. (Joeie Domingo, UNTV News)