DND chief: AFP a step ahead of IS

MANILA, Philippines - The return to the country of local lslamic militants from the Middle East who intend to continue with their terroristic activities is expected, security officials said yesterday.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the country’s security forces, in close coordination with counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region, are closely monitoring the activities of suspected terrorists coming from the Middle East to thwart any of their terror plans.

“Since these threats are cross border in nature, we are closely working with our counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region to monitor and address these threats,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana gave the assurance following the warning of Admiral Harry Harris, commander of the United States Pacific Command (USPACOM), that jihadists fighting alongside Islamic State (IS) extremists are now heading home to their respective countries as they are steadily losing ground in Iraq and Syria.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the military already knew of Harris’ warning.

“This looming threat is not unknown to us and is continuously monitored. It is also the reason why we have prioritized addressing the threat posed by local terrorist groups and extremists, particularly those that have openly pledged their allegiance to IS,” Padilla said.

Padilla pointed out the threat of terrorism is a matter that should be dealt with not only by security forces but by the general public as well.