Remnants of the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and other terrorists in Mindanao would have a hard time making “tangible gains” with martial law in the region, Malacañang said on Monday.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the assurance as the military and suspected Maute gunmen engaged in a firefight in Tubaran town in Lanao del Sur on Sunday.
READ: Villagers flee as military launches operation vs suspected Maute gunmen
“Ito siguro nagpapatunay na talagang may kalaban pa tayo sa Mindanao kaya nga naririryan pa ang martial law,” Roque said in a Palace brieifng.
Despite the fresh encounter, the Palace allayed the fears of the public on the possible resurgence of the Maute Group.
“Hindi dapat ikabahala ito dahil ang puwersa nila ay kakaunti na lang at tingin ko dahil sa martial law na umiiral ay mahihirapan din magkaroon ng tangible gains ang ating mga kalaban,” he said.
“Bagamat, nakakaabala talaga na parang may successor na tumatayong lider itong Maute, at nagkaroon na naman sila ng capability para makipagputukan sa ating mga sundalo,” he added.
Roque said government troops were ready to respond to any terrorist group that would launch an attack in Mindanao.
“Hindi natin maa-assure na wala na tayong kalaban sa Lanao del Sur. Ang maa-assure ko, handa ang ating hukbong sandatahan para protektahan ang ating mga sibilyan sa Lanao del Sur,” he said. /cbb