MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur (PIA) -- Following the encounter that resulted in the neutralization of the leader of the Dawlah Islamiya - Maute Group (DI-MG) here, the 103rd Infantry Brigade, Philippine Army reminded city residents to remain vigilant and observant to their surroundings, especially if they are in crowded places.

LtCol. Palawan Miondas, the brigade's CMO officer, said the people should report to the military and the police if they notice anything suspicious around them.

"Maging maingat tayo. Ito ang pakiusap namin. Huwag na tayong makipag-usap sa kanila, makipag-kwentuhan o umupo sa kanilang mga pulong-pulong kung mayroon man kasi baka tuluyang marecruit na tayo. Pagka may marinig tayo roon, e-monitor lang natin at isumbong kaagad".

(Let's be careful. This is our request. Let's not talk to them, have conversations or sit in their meetings, if there are any because we might end up being recruited. When we hear something there, we just monitor it and report it immediately.)

He also said that denouncing terrorism is not just the job of the military and police but everyone should cooperate and join.

"Magtulung-tulungan po tayo. Yun lang po yung hinihingi namin. Ito ay convergence ito. Hindi lang po ito trabaho ni Army, kung hindi trabaho po natin ito. Meron po tayong kani-kaniyang trabaho na pwede nating maitulong. Yung mga kunting information lang ay napakalaki (tulong) po yan saatin".

(Let's work together. That's all we ask for. This is convergence. It's not just the Army's job, it is everybody's job. We have our own jobs that we can help. Those little pieces of information mean a lot to us.)

Miondas said those who want to provide information can contact the brigade's hotline at 09171089227.

Along with this, he also reminded the residents to avoid spreading fake news so as not to cause panic to the people.

He likewise thanked barangay officials, municipal officials, elected officials, and religious leaders for their advice and help to the military as it speeds up the suppression of terrorism in the area. (JND/PIA Lanao del Sur)