CentCom monitoring Maute recruitment

CEBU, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Central Command (AFP-CentCom) has leveled up its intelligence monitoring  in the Visayas following reports received by its headquarters that global terror group Islamic State in Iraq and Syrian (ISIS)-Maute  inspired rebels are intensifying recruitment in the area around Marawi City.

AFP-CentCom Spokesman Colonel Medel Aguilar told reporters that coordination with the local Muslim communities is also ongoing.

"We are closely coordinating with the leaders of sectors that we believe are the most vulnerable to the recruitment activities of what we call violent extremists," Aguilar said.

In a report, AFP Spokesperson Colonel Edgard Arevalo was quoted saying that remnants of the five-month long battle of the rebel group ISIS-Maute against government forces in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur have "intensified" recruitment in nearby cities.

What qualified the recruitment as intensified was in a way that rebel forces encourage recruits to join in exchange of financial aid by using social media.

The terrorist are reportedly focused on recruiting relatives and children.

The AFP Spokesman continued that an emerging leader initially identified as Abu Turayfie is also pooling-in members.  Turayfie is reportedly the successor of slain IS leader in Southeast Asia Isnilon Hapilon, who led the Marawi siege along with another slain rebel Omar Maute.

As it developed, the martial law in Mindanao has been extended until December 31, 2018, which was first declared last May 23.  AFP CentCom Commander Paul Atal previously expressed that he will not be taking chances on the security of Visayan shores given the distance between Mindanao and Visayas.

Just yesterday, a dialogue with the Muslim communities took place, where a group of Maranaos discussed about the Marawi City siege and ways to help government law enforcers.

Abu Bakr Arabis, a Muslim leader from the Organization of Islamic Communities In Cebu (OIC-Cebu), committed they will police their own ranks.

"We police our ranks. Actually kaming mga Muslim community diri sa Cebu, especiallly sa organization of Islamic Muslim communities diri sa Cebu we are always on lookout against kining recruitment. We are providing information to law enforcers about activities like this, kay di pud mi gusto anang terrorism, that is against Islam," Arabis said.

He urged Muslim members to be on the lookout on false ideologues and veer away from violent extremism as it paints a bad image of Islam.

"Ang amo lang ma-advice is to be on the lookout og dili lang motuo dayon og ideology nga extreme kaayo ang view sa Islam.  Usa sa makadaot sa image sa Islam kay kaning extremism, ang Islam wa nagtudlo og extremism. Gitudluan mi to be moderate in all undertakings.  Nilapas na ni sila beyond sa teaching sa Islam. Makadaot ni sa image sa Islam," Arabis said. (FREEMAN)