ISABELA CITY, Basilan, (PNA) -– The government security forces have been placed on alert to thwart any diversionary attempt from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) as the standoff continued in nearby Zamboanga City.
Local police commander Supt. Albert Larubis said Friday that they had been implementing a joint security defense system together with the military forces since the start of the standoff.
Larubis said they recovered Thursday night a traveling bag containing a set of MNLF uniform while conducting security patrol in Barangay Menzi, this city.
Larubis said that investigation is underway to determine the ownership of the recovered traveling bag.
Larubis disclosed there are many reported sightings of unidentified armed men but yielded negative results when verified.
“These are being validated and verified for appropriate action,” he said.
He urged the public to remain calm but vigilant and to immediately report to appropriate authorities any presence of unidentified people acting suspiciously in their community.