FOR Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, a repeat of a Marawi siege-like attack in Mindanao is highly unlikely as all stakeholders in the security of Mindanao — security forces, LGUs 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,” said Adiong, the chair of the ad hoc Committee on Marawi Rehabilitation and Victims Compensation, during the regular press conference of lawmakers at the House of Representatives.
The question was raised due to reports of a clash between elements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Maute Group in Munai, Lanao del Norte last Feb. 16 that left six soldiers dead and four others 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 … relatively peaceful,” Adiong said.
“There’s an ongoing military operation against yung mga 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 Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. 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.
“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.
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.
“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.
