Davao City police release terror watchlist ahead of Duterte party

The Davao City Police has released a terrorist watchlist ahead of the thanksgiving party of President-elect Rodrigo Duterte there on Saturday.

A report by GMA News' Mariz Umali on Balitanghali on Thursday said the Davao police have received reports that members of the ISIS-linked Islamiyah Movement are currently in Mindanao.

"Kailangan namin ito ilabas for the public to know and be aware baka nandito lang sa Davao City o mayroon bang mga kaanak na tinutuloyan itong grupo na ito na mayroong gagawing atrocities sa Mindanao," said C/Insp. Milgrace Driz.

Driz said the Islamiyah Movement had been involved in bombings in Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City and kidnappings in the Island Garden City of Samal.

The report said the group's members trained under slain bombmaker Julkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

Tarpaulins of the terror watchlist will be spread across the vicinity of Crocodile Park where Duterte's thanksgiving party will be held.

"We have to also consider na they are dangerous personalities na dapat nating bantayan," Driz said.

The report said that while the Davao police sees no security threat, they will continue to verify if the terrorists are already in Davao City as part of their pro-active and preemptive measures.

"Tuloy po yung event. Wala pong dapat ikabahala ang ating publiko. We have to also consider itong information dissmeination kasi dito sa Davao City we involve the general public," Driz said.

Driz added backpacks, canisters, deadly weapons including sharp objects and firearms are prohibited to enter the party area.

The report said thousands of security personnel will be deployed in Davao City to maintain peace and order during the party.

"Walang specific place kasi mayroon tayong big event sa Davao City that is why we are encouraging the public to be aware at this," Driz said. —Joseph Tristan Roxas/KBK, GMA News