Philippines welcomes retaking of Mosul from IS

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines welcomed yesterday the retaking of Mosul from Islamic State (IS) fighters and the city’s return to the control of Iraqi authorities.

“The Philippines joins the rest of the international community in welcoming the capture of Mosul from ISIS and its return to the control authorities of the Republic of Iraq,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement, referring to the terror group by another acronym.

With Mosul now reclaimed, the extent of IS’s violations and abuses has become even more evident. 

Information gathered by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights suggests that international crimes might have been perpetrated by IS during the three years that the group was in control not only of Mosul but of large areas of Iraq.

“We commend the government and people of Iraq for this difficult feat and we lament the thousands of lives lost in the war against terrorism,” the DFA said.

In June, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año said IS fighters who will be displaced by their weakening battle in Mosul are expected to come to Asia, with the Marawi crisis making the Philippines a “magnet.” 

He said there are indications of attempts by foreign fighters to come to the country to beef up forces in southern Philippines.