Philippine officials: Mindanao situation under control

Hanoi (VNA) – Philippine authorities said on February 26 they are aware of terror threats in the country’s southern region and have kept the situation under control.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Bienvinido Datuin said that the AFP is monitoring and verifying information related to any moves of terror groups.

The AFP is in constant coordination with its foreign and local counterparts to address the scourge of terrorism, Datuin added.

The main concern of the security sector is not only to address the armed component but the financial and logistics line of terrorist organisations, he said.

Terrorists will look into and take advantage of gaps in the security measures being implemented by every nation in the world, he said, calling on Filipinos to help fight terrorism.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing that the AFP knew of potential threats, which led to the decision to extend the martial law in Mindanao until the end of 2018.

Authorities are monitoring the situation. They are able and willing to deal with any new threats. He affirmed.

The five-month conflict in Marawi, Mindanao in 2017 killed more than 1,000 people and forced 500,000 residents to flee.

Marawi has been liberated, however, the Philippine Army said Maute militants remain threats to the region.-VNA