Philippines on guard vs militants’ fresh moves in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines — With the favorite son of terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden taking the helm of al-Qaeda operations abroad, Philippine authorities are not taking chances over renewed moves by Islamic militants to re-establish their position in Mindanao after the Duterte administration quelled the uprising in Marawi last year.

Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar mentioned Hamza bin Laden, who is seen as al-Qaeda’s rising star, to illustrate how the Islamic militants are using their resources to fund the extremists’ terrorist activities and recruit followers in many countries, including the Philippines.

“These groups really have sources of funding, wherever they come from, and they also have supporters. We also know the son of Osama bin Laden is very active also in al-Qaeda,” Andanar said in a mix of English and Filipino in an interview over radio station dzBB.

“And right now, they are also recruiting members of ISIS to join them,” he added, referring to the Islamic State.

Andanar accompanied President Duterte during the India-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) commemorative summit in New Delhi where the leaders talked about cooperation to combat maritime disputes and security issues.

The Palace official also revealed that the cell of Indonesian-based Dawla Islamiya has been active in recruitment in southern Philippines.

“And we are also aware Dawla Islamiya in Indonesia is also active in recruitment, they are sending recruiters here in the country, particularly in Mindanao,” Andanar said.

He made the revelation when asked about reports that Islamist insurgents looted cash, gold and jewelry worth tens of millions of dollars when they occupied Marawi last year. The loot has been used to recruit new members, which make the IS still a potent threat in Southeast Asia.

Not cowed by terrorists 

Following Duterte’s resolve to stop extremism in Mindanao and the quelling of the Marawi City rebellion, Andanar said the government is ready to face head-on the continuing challenges brought about by terror groups.

 “We have already faced them before, and they were defeated… and President Duterte won’t retreat from them,” he said, referring to the Philippine government’s resolve to contain terrorism in Mindanao.

Duterte, according to Andanar, reiterated the need to work together to fight terrorism in the region during his discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leaders of the 10-member ASEAN.

 “So, this problem is a universal problem, we are not the only ones facing this, but the whole world is also affected by the ISIS and terrorism,” Andanar said.

Newsweek cited the latest video footage acquired by the Central Intelligence Agency which showed that Hamza bin Laden has remained active in al-Qaeda’s propaganda efforts.