The Philippine National Police (PNP) has begun deploying agents not only churches and mosques but also in big malls in Manila in preparation for the possible terror attack on the last day of Ramadhan, which is expected to take place on 26 June.
The Filipino government declared holiday on Monday as Muslims in the country will observe Eid al – Fitr which is the last day of Ramadhan, a period where they hold the Islamic tradition to fast from dawn to sunset
Metro Manila Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said he already set up police assistance desks in public places like churches and malls in Metro Manila to prevent any possible terror threats on Monday.
"Ramadhan will culminate on Monday so we already deployed police attendants in different mosques where Muslim faithfuls are expected to gather to celebrate, " Albayalde said.
The police chief also has assigned intelligence operatives all throughout Manila to monitor if the Maute terrorists have already reached the city.
The Department of National Defense (DND) earlier announced that the Maute rebels in Marawi City are trying to escape the ongoing military offensives in the Islamic City. Some Maute clan members who left Marawi City and tried escaping were arrested by police agents in Cagayan De Oro, Davao City and Iloilo City.
Philippine soldiers continue to battle the Maute terrorist group in Marawi City as it enters its fifth week next week. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte declared Martial Law on May 23 to utilize the Philippine military to suppress rebellion and rising terror in the Philippines.
"We have been on full alert since the Maute patriarch was arrested in Davao region and when the Philippines hosted the Ms. Universe pageant," Albayalde added.
