MANILA, Philippines — The Cotabato Police Provincial Office is on high alert following the air and ground assaults in Maguindanao Del Sur, involving the 601st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army and Dawlah Islamiya (DI) fighters last Thursday, December 7.
Nine DI members were reported killed during the airstrike in Talitay, Pagalungan.
Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, director of the Soccsksargen region police, had ordered checkpoint operations to ensure public safety and also asked for the cooperation and vigilance of the locals.
“Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or individuals to local authorities promptly. The safety and well-being of the community are our top priorities, and we assure the public that every effort is being made to maintain peace and order in the region,” Macaraeg said in a statement on Friday.
Reports revealed that the artillery strikes were launched toward the boundaries of Maguindanao del Sur and Cotabato provinces, resulting in the evacuation of some 100 families in Barangay Dalgan in Pagalungan town.