AFP on alleged regrouping of Maute group: There’ll always be a gap in security measures

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is still verifying the reported regrouping of the Islamic State-inspired terrorists Maute group who were responsible for the siege of Marawi City.

However, the AFP admitted that there will always be a gap in terms of security measures.

In a statement, AFP spokesperson Brigadier General Bienvenido Datuin said they are "continuously monitoring and verifying every information related to any alleged movements of terror groups," adding that the AFP is in "constant coordination" with its foreign and local counterparts "to address the scourge of terrorism."

"The main concern of the security sector is not only to address the armed component but the financial and logistics line of terrorist organizations," Datuin said.

"There will always be a gap in the security measures being implemented by every nation in the world, big or small. Terrorists will always look into those gaps and take advantage of them," he added.

Despite this, Datuin said the AFP aims to strengthen security measures with the help of the public in order "to fill in those gaps."

"We call on our people to help in the effort against terrorism. The fight against terrorism is not the sole responsibility of the [government] or the security sector but of every citizen of the republic," he added.

Several Australian authorities including Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Amanda Gorely said they have evidence that the terrorists who have laid siege in Marawi City are regrouping, according to a report of the Manila Times. —KG, GMA News