‘IS fighters may regroup in Mindanao’

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – A security official has expressed concern that Islamic State (IS) fighters from the Middle East may regroup in Mindanao. 

This possibility prompted the military to conduct relentless operations against militants, particularly in Central Mindanao, the official, who said he is not allowed to make a public statement on the issue, said yesterday.  

The official refused to give details on the operations, citing the network of IS-inspired militants.

“IS-inspired groups ...are technologically advanced in monitoring the movement of troops,” he said. 

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año earlier said operations are ongoing against the Maute group in Lanao del Sur, Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu and Basilan and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), who are reportedly bent on establishing an Asian Islamic caliphate allied with the IS. 

The military said 47 militants were killed in offensives in Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao last month. 

The Western Mindanao Command said recent air strikes targeted Muhammad Ali Bin Abdulrahman, alias Muawiyah, a foreign terrorist; his trainee on bomb making Salahuddin Hassan and Esmael Abdulmalik, alias Abu Toraype, brigade commander of the BIFF and founder of Dawlah Islamiyah Maguindanao. 

The military also launched offensives against Maute group members and Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon last month. 

Hapilon, said to be the head of the IS in the Philippines, was believed to have been killed in an air raid two months ago.– With Jaime Laude