THE situation in Mindanao remains under the control of state forces, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
This was the assurance given by PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar after the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research chief Rommel Banlaoi warned of a possible spillover in Mindanao of the tension in Afghanistan.
He claimed the conflict could inspire local terrorist groups to carry out attacks.
PGen Eleazar said the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines are closely coordinating to thwart attacks that may be carried out by local terrorist groups.
“For now, the situation there is under control. We continue to coordinate with the military to be on the alert and to ensure that local terror groups in Mindanao will not be able to carry out any attacks,” PGen Eleazar said.
“I assure the public that the police and military will not allow a spillover of the Afghan conflict. We won’t let local terror groups to sow terror in the country to take advantage of the chaos in Afghanistan,” he added.
PGen Eleazar guaranteed that the PNP would be on full alert and intensify intelligence gathering operations to ensure there is no spillover in the southern part of the country of tension in Afghanistan.
The Taliban, which has a long history of committing violence especially against women and children, has taken over the government of Afghanistan.
Meanwhile, the PNP Chief urged the public to remain vigilant and immediately report unusual incidents that could threaten the safety of communities.