Government beefs up security on vital installations in Mindanao vs Maute Group attacks

Military units in Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte and Zamboanga were ordered to secure all vital installations and establishments in the above-mentioned provinces to forestall possible retaliatory and diversionary attacks by remnants of the Maute Group. (Photo: JL 09/ Wikipedia)

MANILA–Military units in Lanao Del Sur, Lanao Del Norte and Zamboanga were ordered to secure all vital installations and establishments in the above-mentioned provinces to forestall possible retaliatory and diversionary attacks by remnants of the Maute Group.

This was disclosed by 1st Infantry Division public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Jo-ar Herrera even as clearing operations in Piagapo town are still ongoing.

The area is the place where military units, in a series of offensives last April 21 to 24, neutralized an estimated 37 Maute Group members, including three Indonesians and one Malaysian were killed.

“(1st Infantry Division commander) Brig. Gen. Rolando Bautista gave instructions to secure all vital installations to avoid (possible) diversionary attacks by the enemy,” Herrera said in Filipino.

This is a must as these lawless groups often conduct diversionary tactics to distract pursuing government troops, he added.