Sayyaf planning diversionary attacks in Mindanao - Navy

MANILA, Philippines - The military on Saturday reiterated its advice to residents in Sulu province against possible attacks by the Abu Sayyaf, following the discovery of sacks of bomb components and ammunition there. Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo said intelligence reports showed the bandits were planning attacks on public places as a "diversionary tactic." "Intelligence report gathered indicates that the bombing operations are to be directed against civilians and military personnel both to divert attention from the constricting operations the security forces are conducting and to terrorize the people of Sulu," he said in an interview on Bombo Radyo. Government forces have constricted Abu Sayyaf's operations in Sulu. The bandits are still holding Red Cross workers Andreas Notter and Eugenio Vagni as captives. A military raid on the house of one Hadji Nahrin Abud Akmad found 3,600 blasting cap casings, 15 sacks of ammonium nitrate and potassium chlorate, ammunition for 40mm-caliber firearms, and P80,000 cash. Tight security The Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police earlier alerted all government troops in southern Philippines for possible terrorist attacks during the observance of the Holy Week. An article posted on pna.gov.ph on Friday said that the AFP's Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom), along with all the police regional officers in Mindanao has ordered the field commanders to continue with their foot patrol to ensure the safety of those observing the Lenten season. Field unit commanders were also ordered to keep tight security around churches before, during, and after the Easter Sunday celebration. They must likewise instruct ground intelligence personnel from the military and police, and civilian informers to watch over crowded places, particularly in the areas where the Easter Sunday Masses would be held. The article also said that Maj. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, chief of the Eastmincom, has urged citizens to be “vigilant" at all times and immediately report to the authorities about any suspicious movements of in the area. Terrorist bombings Ferrer specifically directed the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division to redouble their alertness and defense position in Socsksargen region in southeastern Mindanao where terrorist bombings are likely to occur. Socsksargen comprises Cotabato City, General Santos City, and the provinces of Sarangani, South Cotabato, North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat. Ferrer also ordered field unit commanders to closely coordinate with the local government officials of the respective areas, to avert any untoward incidents. - GMANews.TV