Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur A said that a repeat of a Marawi Siege-like attack in Mindanao is highly unlikely under the present administration.
Adiong said stakeholders in the security of Mindanao—security forces, local governments and the community—are working hand-in-hand under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. against all remnants of violent extremism.
“With the support of the LGUs, we’ve seen how we were able to liberate Marawi City. And I don’t see any reason why the same problem again may pop up in the future,” Adiong, the chair of the Ad Hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, told reporters during the regular press conference in the House of Representatives.
Adiong made the statement amid reports of a clash between elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte last Feb. 16 that left six soldiers dead and four wounded.
Adiong said this may be an isolated incident, as everywhere else in
Mindanao is relatively peaceful.
“(If) you go anywhere in Mindanao, all areas in Mindanao, okay naman (its good) … relatively peaceful,” Adiong said.
“There’s an ongoing military operation against yung mga (those) remnants. Remember, ang ISIS po, it’s not a homegrown terrorist organization. This is an imported ideology,” he added.
Whatever is left of extremist groups, he said, they are being hunted vigorously by the AFP, with the help of LGUs and members of the communities.
Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez earlier said he was directed by President Marcos to provide financial aid to the six fallen soldiers and the four wounded during the clash with terrorists in Lanao del Norte.
“Ang mga hakbang na ito ay patunay sa pasasalamat at pangako ng bansa sa kagalingan ng ating mga tauhan ng militar at ng kanilang mga pamilya. Kinikilala natin ang malalim na sakripisyo ng ating mga sundalo para tiyakin ang ating kaligtasan at kalayaan. Nararapat lamang na suportahan natin sila at ang kanilang mga mahal sa buhay sa
panahon ng pangangailangan,” Romualdez said.
(These measures are proof of the nation’s gratitude and commitment to the well-being of our military personnel and their families. We recognize the profound sacrifices of our soldiers to ensure our safety and freedom. It is only fitting that we support them and their loved ones in their time of need)
“Taos-puso tayong nakikiramay sa mga pamilya nina Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, PFC Arnel Tornito, Pvt Micharl John Lumingkit, at Pvt James Porras. Dagdag pa
rito, nais natin ng mabilis na paggaling sa mga sugatang bayani, sina Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Pvt Amiril Sakinal, at Pvt Nazareno Provido,” he added.
(Our heartfelt condolences to the families of Corporal Rey Anthony Salvador, Corporal Reland Tapinit, Corporal Rodel Mobida, PFC Arnel Tornito, Pvt Micharl John Lumingkit, and Pvt James Porras.
Additionally, we wish a speedy recovery to the wounded heroes, Corporal Jaymark Remotigue, PFC Marvien Aguipo, Pvt Amiril Sakinal, and Pvt Nazareno Provido)
Adiong said there is no atmosphere of fear in Mindanao as the people see all stakeholders working together to contain whatever is left of the Maute Group.
“Ang number one lang na pwede natin maibsan ‘yung ganitong kaba is yung presence, ‘yung visibility ng ating mga security agency like police and the military. Nakita ko naman after what happened sa area
ng Lanao del Norte, ang mismo chief of staff pumunta po doon,” Adiong said.
(The only number one thing that we can do to alleviate this kind of anxiety is the presence, the visibility of our security agencies like the police and the military. I saw after what happened in the Lanao del Norte area, the chief of staff himself went there)
“And then there are additional deployments in the area para ma-secure ‘yung lugar … Kaya nasabi ko pinaka-importante based on our experience is yung engagement ng ating security sector with the LGUs down to the barangays,” he added.
(And then there are additional deployments in the area to secure the area… That’s why I said the most important thing based on our experience is the engagement of our security sector with the LGUs [local government units] down to the barangays)