Pagadian City conducts anti-terror attack drill

Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur on Saturday conducted an "anti-terror attack drill" as the jihadist-initiated war in Marawi City continue to rage on its 39th day.

GMA News stringer Aude Hampong said that after five successive sound of the siren perched atop a mall, stores, shops and establishments began closing doors as security forces locked down the city, securing all entry and exit points.

Pagadian city lies just 97 kilometers west of troubled Marawi City.

As the drill progressed, security forces from the Pagadian City Police Station, Zamboanga Del Sur Police Provincial Office, and the military quickly moved into the city to neutralize the enemy.

Troops occupied strategic position at high-rise buildings and mounted sniping nests therein.

Police and military troops took positions at every city street corner, setting up checkpoints.

In the simulation exercise, firefighters also rushed in as well as rescue teams from City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and ambulances and medics from the local government.

The exercise aimed to prepare city folk from possible Marawi-style terror attack. —LBG, GMA News