DAVAO CITY—Security forces have supposedly monitored jihadists congregating in this city of almost 1.5-million people and are planning to stage a terror attack this weekend.
Davao City police spokesperson Inspector Milgrace Driz said the police have received intelligence reports that about 20 terrorists identified with the jihadist Khilafa Islamiya Movement are believed to have arrived in the city and are planning to disrupt the thanksgiving party for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday.
Driz asked the public to help apprehend the extremists who were identified as Jannate Bin Hadjassan alias Jannate; Abu Katab; Abtil Rahman alias Abdurhaman/Reza; Abu Akhmad; Ustadz Pelere; Humamandul Najid alias Nayda; Usman Hapids; a certain Mocca/Usman; a certain Johan/Amin Baco; a certain Abu Bakkar Taib; Ustadz Isah; a certain Kudri; Abu Said; Muawiyah alias Bombay; Muammar Askali; a certain Baran Go; Nurhassan Jamirri; a certain Omar-ma; Mudrimar Sawadjaan; Namjil Ajahari and Mujjapal Sawajaan.
The police released photographs of the suspects so the public could identify the suspects who are believed to be former members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters responsible for bombings in Cagayan de Oro and Cotabato citites as well as kidnappings in Samal Island.
“We need to bring this out to the public to inform them of these threats. We have information that there are atrocities planned by these groups,” Driz told The Standard in an interview.
Intelligence reports point out that most of the group’s members were trained under renowned terrorist bombmaker Julkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman who were both slain by the military.
“It’s possible that the party will be used by terrorists to instill fear but we remain wary on these operations,” Driz said.
Meanwhile, at least 24 security units from the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be deployed to the Crocodile Park to secure the “One Love, One National Thanksgiving Party #DU31” for President-elect Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday.
Kat Dailisay of the Manic Nightings Production, the organizer of the event, said the forces from 24 security units will be joined by the Philippine Security Group in securing the event.
According to Dalisay, 4,500 security personnel will secure the Crocodile park while another 1,000 personnel will secure the periphery areas of the venue.
Driz said all police and security forces will be deployed in strategic areas near and leading to the party venue.
Organizers say the event is expected to draw over 200,000 supporters in Davao and across Mindanao. With the huge number of attendees, Driz said each party-goer will undergo a four-layer security check inside the venue.
Davao City Police Office spokesperson Milgrace Driz said the city police alone is deploying 2,000 uniformed and plainclothes law enforcers in addition to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 11, Task Force Davao, and the Army’s 10th Infantry Division.
Aside from the venue, police will also be deployed in airport, seaports, terminals as lookout for suspected terrorists.