COTABATO CITY, Philippines — A strict “no ID, no entry” is in place in Cotabato City that authorities said is intended to prevent the entry of lawless elements, particularly inmates who were freed from jails in Marawi City by the Maute group.
The fighting in Marawi prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare the whole of Mindanao under martial law.
City police chief Senior Superintendent Victor Valencia said motorists need to present valid identification before they will be allowed to enter Cotabato.
Mayor Cynthia Guiani Sayadi urged everbody, not just motorists, to have their IDs available at all times and appealed for compliance with the policy saying it is for the safety of everyone.
Entry points to the city are under tight guard with the military deploying armored vehicles to reinforce checkpoints.