Military dismisses rumors of terrorist attacks in Mindanao

April 21, 2020

A regional military spokesman on Tuesday dismissed viral rumors about alleged plan of  a terrorist group to conduct Islamic state inspired attacks in Mindanao admist the coronavirus disease.

"Viral rumors about planned Islamic State-inspired attacks, in forms of circulated text messages and videos, are dismissed as malicious  form to instill fear and confusion in communities while the nation grapples with Coronavirus Disease 19," said Major Arvin Encinas of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command.

"These viral messages are, in fact, recycled and circulated even before the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in 2017," he said.

The viral rumors was shared by certain 2nd Lt. Daniel Pedregosa, who according to Encinas is not a member of the military.

" (A) Certain 2nd Lt. Daniel Pedregosa is not a member of the AFP nor included in our roster of troops," he said.

Encinas said "the videos circulated in social media (are) an old viral videos as early as 2016."

"We now implore the vigilance and cooperation of our fellow Filipinos. We entreat you to be prudent in using social media to prevent their becoming  malicious platforms," he said.

"The Western Mindanao Command is nevertheless on top of the situation. We will not let our guard down in putting an end to terrorism in the midst of this pandemic," Encinas added. Robina Asido/DMS