ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philppines — The military said that they did not observe any Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf group members who joined the Islamic State-inspired Maute militants in Marawi to establish a caliphate.
This was revealed on Saturday by Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, as his forces continued its pursuit against the bandit group in Sulu.
Sobejana said this when asked if Abu Sayyaf members who joined the Marawi siege have already slipped back to their areas due to intense military operations.
There were also reports that Abu Sayyaf Basilan-based leader Isnilon Hapilon had brought some Sulu fighters along with him in Marawi.
Hapilon, considered the most wanted terror leader, is the designated emir of the ISIS and its cohorts from the Maute brothers, representing the Dawlah Islamiya Movement.
“We have not monitored any member of Sulu-based ASG joining the siege in Marawi. Hence, nobody will be coming back to Sulu,” Sobejana said.
Sobejana said that non-Sulu based Abu Sayyaf members who intend to build a faction in Sulu will be dealt with punitive action.
“We will give them a good fight and make their life miserable,” Sobejana said.
The military said that those who plan to enter Sulu should reconsider the idea since Abu Sayyaf members in the area were displaced from their traditional lairs in the jungle and have been on the run.