Manila (AsiaNews/Agencies) – The Philippines’ southern provinces were on maximum alert on Friday after police warned that al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants plan to resume a bombing and terror campaign after the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan ends.
Domestic intelligence services believe that Muslim separatists are planning attacks against major military, police and civilian targets in the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Davao and General Santos, including kidnapping of foreigners to attract international coverage.
National Police Chief Avelino Razon has ordered “maximum security coverage” at possible terror targets, including critical infrastructures, malls, transport hubs, and religious shrines.
“The ASG [Abu Sayyaf Group] and their allied foreign jihadists, plus some rogue MILF [Moro Islamic Liberation Front] members have taken advantage of Ramadan to recuperate, replenish their logistic resources, recruit new members and plot their next move,” Razon said.
The government has declared Friday a nationwide holiday for Eid al-Fitr, the day of sacrifice that marks the end of Ramadan.
Government sources report that hundreds of agents are guaranteeing public order in the south and ensuring that no blood is shed during the joyful celebration.