Philippine National Police acting chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. ordered strict monitoring and intensified intelligence-gathering to deter possible terrorism-related recruitment and training activities in Mindanao. The PNP is in constant coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the country’s intelligence community, with no immediate threat of extremist resurgence, but regular monitoring remains in place. Authorities continue to treat all information seriously, citing gains in peace, order, and development in former conflict areas, while maintaining vigilance with AFP counterparts on the ground. The directive followed warnings from a peace-monitoring group about alleged recruitment and training activities of Daulah Islamiyah in Lanao and Maguindanao after a January 23 ambush in Munai, Lanao del Norte that killed four soldiers. Nartatez stressed that strict monitoring, intervention measures, and community involvement remain key to preventing the resurgence of terrorism and ensuring stability in the Bangsamoro region.
