Marawi-like attack won’t happen again – Sobejana

Credit to Author: Tempo Desk| Date: Sun, 15 Dec 2019 10:05:37 +0000

Despite the impending lifting of martial law in Mindanao, a high-ranking military officer yesterday said that an attack as destructive as the Marawi City siege in 2017 “will never happen again” as the strength of terrorists in the country has greatly diminished.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said relentless operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Daulah Islamiyah, and other lawless elements will continue despite the non-extension of the martial rule in Mindanao.

“Our security posture will remain the same and our security operations against various threat groups will continue,” he said.

Mindanao was placed under the martial rule on May 23, 2017 when the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute terror group and ASG leaders laid siege on Marawi. It has been extended thrice since then. With the non-extension of the martial law, it is set to expire on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.

Sobejana confirmed that they are monitoring eight foreign terrorists in Mindanao, while the reported presence of 60 others is still being validated.

However, he said the terrorists will not be able to carry out an attack as destructive as the Marawi siege since most of them are “on the run” and the can only do lone attacks such as the use of Improvised Explosive Devices.

“Marawi City-like atta
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