From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 14): Police place forces in Zambo Sur on ‘highest level alert’
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=554812
The police have placed its forces on “highest level alert” in a bid to pre-empt atrocities by lawless elements in this province, an official disclosed Wednesday.
Senior Supt. Thomas Abellar, provincial police director, disclosed they have adopted all the necessary security measures to ensure the safety of the residents in this province.
This province comprises of one city and 26 municipalities with a population of 959,685 as of 2010 making it the 16 most populous province.
Abellar’s move came after series of bombings that hit several parts of Mindanao the past days that killed 16 people and injured 83 others.
The military forces have also recovered last week more than 20 improvised bombs when they raided an Abu Sayyaf lair in Basilan province.
The military have received intelligence report that the improvised bombs are to be used by the Abu Sayyaf bandits in bomb attacks in the cities of Isabela and Lamitan, Basilan; Zamboanga City ; Pagadian City
Abellar said they have intensified the conduct of checkpoints and police visibility, although with limited personnel, aimed to deter lawless elements including terrorists from carrying out atrocities.
Abellar also urged the public to remain calm but “vigilant at all times” and to immediately report presence of people acting suspiciously in their respective communities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=554812