Maute gunmen in Lanao hinterlands? Town execs say they’re ready

ILIGAN CITY – Local government officials of three Lanao del Norte towns, which previously came under attack by Moro rebels, said they were worried by reports that some Maute gunmen had managed to slip out of Marawi City.

Earlier, the military said it was checking reports some Maute gunmen had left their weapons behind and joined civilians fleeing the warzone in the early days of the fighting.

There were also reports, the military said, that some gunmen had slipped through Marawi’s borders with other areas.

The towns of Kolambugan, Pantao Ragat and Maigo also share common border with Marawi and other Lanao del Sur towns the extremists were known to have some presence in the past.

Kolambugan Mayor Lorenzo Mañigos told the Inquirer that there have been reports that some personalities associated with the Maute group have found refuge in the hinterlands of the town.

“These reports are very likely to be true because some of them have relatives in areas where other Moro armed groups have presence,” Mañigos said.

He said they were taking the reports seriously so as not to be caught flat footed again, similar to the year 2000, when Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters stormed Kolambugan.

Mañigos said as part of the security plan, they have strengthened the capability of village officials and watchmen, including access to the town’s radio communication network.

“We have formed peacekeeping forces in the barangays too in coordination with the military and the police,” he said.

Pantao Ragat Vice Mayor Ayran Lantud said they also tightened the town’s security considering that Maute gunmen could find refuge in its hinterlands.

Lantud said Pantao Ragat has Piagapo, Lanao del Sur as its common border with Marawi.

“It’s not remote that they would hide in our hinterland areas or that of Piagapo’s. But we’re ready. We have close coordination with the military and our village officials and watchmen monitor our area 24/7,” he added.

The Lantud family – which has dominated the Pantao Ragat politics for decades already – was also a known critic of the Maute group and MILF’s commander Bravo.

In Maigo, Lanao del Norte, Mayor Rafael Rizalda said some personalities identified with the Maute group have been reported to be hiding in an interior in Lanao del Norte town.

But he would not say who they were or what town they have fled to.

“We will make sure they can’t come or pass by our town,” Rizalda added.