Maute group’s attack on Marawi part of ‘marketing strategy ’

The Maute group's attack on Marawi City is part of its propaganda tack to establish itself as an entity to contend with in Mindanao, a political analyst said Wednesday.

In an interview on "Unang Balita," GMA News' resident analyst Prof. Richard Heydarian said that the group's bold actions are part of its "marketing strategy" to show that it has the power. So far, he said, it doesn't have the capability to launch attacks across the nation.

But he said that the government and the Filipino people should not let their guard down as the group has already gained attention and organizational strength.

"Nasa stage three na kumbaga. Meron nang pledge of alliance sa ISIS, meron nang recognition, meron nang organization, pero hanggang ngayon failure pa rin sila pagdating sa pagsakop ng teritoryo at pag-control ng population."

Part of the Maute group's strategy to be recognized is to present itself as the ISIS representation in the Philippines.

"Unlike the Bangsamoro Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf Group, may mga identity na ang mga ito, kumbaga may 'pedigree' na sila."

"Kaya ginagamit ng Maute ang ISIS flag bilang marketing strategy nila," he added.

Heydarian lauded the Western Mindanao Command's call for the people and the media to "not to help" the lawless group win in the propaganda war by spreading fake news, memes, and other materials that give the impression that the group is all over the place and it is in control.

Also, he said that the public should neither panic nor become complacent.

"Hindi natin inaalis na magkaroon sila ng attempts. Dapat, of course, ingat tayo. We will never know baka may coordinated plans across the country, hindi lamang sa Mindanao."

The Maute group's action in Marawi City has prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the whole of Mindanao under martial law. —LBG, GMA News