Neighboring cities like Davao City, Cagayan de Oro and Ozamis have been placed in lockdown and full red alert respectively.
Just hours after the alleged ISIS-aligned group, Maute, tried to take control of Marawi City, its neighboring city, Davao City, has been placed in lockdown. This announcement was made by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio following President Duterte’s declaration of martial law throughout Mindanao.
Mayor Duterte-Carpio, in a press conference, said that the city is in red alert and stricter inspections will be made throughout the city.
“Gina-advise namo tong gikan sa gawas kung wala silay important things diri sa sulod sa Davao City, dili na lang sila mobyahe sa Davao City kay ma-hassle sila sa checkpoint nato, which will conduct more extensive and thorough search of vehicles and personalities.”
Rough translation: “It is advised that everyone outside of Davao who has no important business in the city to postpone their travel plans in order to avoid the hassle at checkpoints. Checkpoints will be conducted more extensively and thorough search of vehicles and personalities.”
Aside from Davao City, neighboring cities of Cagayan de Oro and Ozamis have been included, after receiving intel about the inclusion of these cities, as targets of the Maute terrorist group’s plan of bombing.
Cagayan de Oro City Police Officer spokesperson Mardy Hortillosa II believes that even if the possibility of the said information sent may be hoax, these information should not be taken lightly.
PNP regional spokesperson Lemuel Gonda said in an interview through Bombo Radyo that police stations especially near Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur have been alerted and heightened security among vital locations, including legitimate road checkpoints.
Sources: GMA News, About Cagayan