AFP calls for vigilance, calm amid PNP report on presence of Maute group in NCR

Even as they have yet to receive their own information, military officials urged the public Tuesday to remain vigilant but calm amid the Philippine National Police’s report that the Lanao-based Maute group has established its presence in Metro Manila.

“Your AFP is always proactively engaged to negate terrorists efforts. The public should also go on with their normal activities and must not allow such information to derail them from their normal routine,” Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said in press statement.

Padilla said they are still coordinating with the PNP regarding the details of the matter, but assured the public that the military is always prepared to assist in the event of any contigency. 

“The AFP is coordinating with the PNP on the details of the matter.  Be assured that the AFP is always prepared to assist in the event of any contingency. For the AFP, it is not a question of ‘IF’ (any threats exist) but rather of ‘WHEN’ these threats become active. Hence, the need to be prepared at all times,” he said.

Padilla added the public being always alert, vigilant, and observant of their environment and cooperative with authorities by sharing information is always a deterrent that will significantly enhance the security posture of the communities.

For his part, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said they have yet to receive information on the presence of the Maute group in the National Capital Region but they would like to defer to the PNP.

“In so far as the Armed Forces of the Philippines is concerned, wala tayong namonitor na merong member or members ng Maute group dito sa Metro Manila. We would like to defer kung ano ang kanilang naging basehan ng report or the statement na meron nang Maute dito sa Metro Manila,” he said.

Arevalo said what is important is that the people would remain vigilant.

“Higit sa lahat between the seeming difference, ang pinakamahalaga sa lahat ay manatili pa rin tayong mapagmatyag, manatili pa rin tayong vigilant. Hindi ibig sabihin na porke ang AFP ay walang namonitor na Maute group members ay humihinto na ang Armed Fforces or we are putting our guards down. Let it be on record na laging up ang ating awareness,” he said. 

He added that the AFP always assume there is a threat for them to be prepared of any eventuality.

Earlier in the day, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the Maute group has apparently established its presence in the capital following the arrest of suspected member Nasip Ibrahim in Quezon City.

Dela Rosa said Ibrahim was part of the group that tried to bomb Rizal Park in November last year. The plan failed and the group instead planted an IED near the United States Embassy. — RSJ, GMA News