Over 3,000 residents from Marogong, Lanao Del Sur have now fled from their homes after an alleged threat from a terror group surfaced, the Bangsamoro Ministry of Social Services and Development said on Monday.
A total of 3,154 individuals escaped from their communities since Daulah Islamiyah (DI) threatened the local government after four of their members were apprehended by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The displaced residents were moved to nearby towns and given relief goods in the meantime, and the regional MSSD said they are expecting more residents to follow suit as tensions rise.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda said that police presence in the area has been strengthened.
He said police are coordinating with the AFP to safeguard the area.
“We have ample security forces enough really to safeguard the town,” said Acorda.
“We beefed up the police force in the area. We deployed our mobile force battalion there, along with one company (of policemen),” he added.
With the security forces in the area beefed up, the PNP assured the DI threat will be diffused.