Ano says military ready for retaliation after Hapilon, Maute deaths

October 17, 2017

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assures that the military is prepared for possible retaliatory attacks after two high valued terrorist targets were killed in Marawi City last Monday.

“Our people should no worry because we are prepared for that (retaliation from the remaining terrorist members) and we will not allow that to happen but we also need the help and cooperation especially by the community to provide information in case you notice any suspicious looking people,” AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo Ano said in a radio interview on Tuesday.

“Our soldiers and police in the whole country are on heightened alert and prepared. We will not allow this to happen and I believe they cannot do that (retaliation) in the nearest possible time. Before they are able to do that we will ensure that we will nip them in the bud. We will end them before they can conduct any violence,” he added.

In a press release, Maj. Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesman, said they have alerted their units to prevent possible retaliatory attacks from remaining terrorist members.

“Eastern Mindanao Command directed its subordinate units on October 16, 2017 to raise their alert level and prevent possible reprisal from the Maute-Isis sympathetic groups after the death of Isnilon Hapilon and Omar Maute during  military operations in Marawi City,” he said

“The directive which includes the intensification of security operations in the different areas and the territorial waters was given during the gathering of Commanders and Staff of subordinate units for the conduct of the 3rd Quarter 2017 Campaign Progress Review and Assessment at Headquarters Eastern Mindanao Command,” he added.

Ano said with the neutralization of two terrorist leaders in Marawi, other foreign terrorists would hesitate to come to the Philippines.

“Yes, first of all we were able to show to the whole world that there is no place for any ISIS here in the Philippines. We will not let that happen,” he said.

“The death of these two leaders and the neutralization of about 800 plus of Maute/ISIS members has really destroy their structure and organization here so maybe other the other foreign fighters of ISIS who are planning to come to Philippines will have second thoughts and would no longer come,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS