BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Communist rebels, not bandit groups such as the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, remain the biggest threat to peace and order in the Caraga region, according to security officials.
At a recent meeting of the Agusan del Norte Peace and Order Council in the aftermath of the slaughter of 44 members of the police Special Action Force in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, 4th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Oscar Lactao and Police Regional Office 13 director David Ombao said they remain focused on the campaign against communist rebels.
The two officials, however, said security forces are on heightened alert following the Mamasapano incident.
They said bus terminals, seaports and airports and vital establishments such as power lines and towers have been secured.
“We will pray and seek our people’s cooperation that there will be no spillover of violence, but we will not be caught unaware,” Lactao said.