THE government should be on the alert for “spectacular terrorist attacks” in the wake of Monday’s killing of two terrorist leaders in Marawi City, an analyst said Tuesday.
In an interview with ABS-CBN, Richard Heydarian, an assistant professor in international affairs and political science at De La Salle University, said local terrorists may carry out these attacks to make the presence of Islamic State sympathizers felt.
Heydarian said IS may also order Marawi-style attacks in other Southeast Asian nations, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
He also said the military could use martial law to their advantage against the remaining terrorists.
In a press statement, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero ordered units under him to raise their alert level after the killing of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Maute group chief Omar Maute.
Guerrero said units should be ready to prevent reprisal attacks from groups sympathetic to IS and the Maute group.
He also ordered his troops to intensify security operations.
Senator Panfilo Lacson said attempts to retaliate were likely, but added that the Armed Forces was capable of averting such attacks.
“I believe our AFP is capable enough as they are handling the situation very well,” said Lacson.
Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, a member of the special committee on Marawi City rehabilitation, commended the military for bringing the terrorist threat to an end.
“With this victory, we hope that the fighting will soon end so the government can immediately lift martial law and finally focus on rebuilding and developing Marawi City,” said Aquino.
