AFP: Basilan situation back to normal

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The military yesterday gave assurance that the situation in Basilan has normalized after classes in 11 public schools in Lamitan town were suspended amid rumors that lawless groups were planning to seize more teachers.

Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said the security situation in the province will be closely monitored when classes resume on Monday.

“At this point, everything is back to normal, the tension and the stressful situation has dissipated and I was assured by the authorities that by Monday, everything will be back to normal to include classes and teachers and students going back to their normal routine,” Mabanta said.

He said fears about the supposed fresh wave of kidnappings stemmed from text messages that have no basis.

“Apparently, the text messages circulating which particularly stated that there will be a spate of kidnappings are not true. However, this has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” Mabanta said.

“Members of the community to include the Philippine National Police, the Armed Forces and the LGUs (local government units) have determined and talked among themselves that there is really nothing to it,” he added.

Mabanta said the AFP has enough personnel to address the security concerns in Basilan, which is said to be a lair of various armed groups.

He said an Army special operations task group, an infantry battalion, militiamen and elite forces, including a Scout Ranger battalion, are continuously securing the area.

“That in itself is a sufficient force that can deal with the situation to include, of course, the continued support and coordination with the (police) of Basilan province,” Mabanta said.

On Thursday, classes in 11 public schools in Lamitan were suspended after Baas Elementary School principal Cecilia Sosas was kidnapped by unidentified armed men.

Police authorities said teachers were afraid to report for duty after receiving threats that more school officials would be snatched.

These schools are located in Baas, Dangkalan, Magsaysay, Burgos, Manawit, Bohe Ibu, Cabobo, Bulingan, Lumutun and Parangbasak.

The whereabouts of Sosas, who was kidnapped last Nov. 15, remains unknown.