AFP Braces for Entry of More ISIS Members

ISIS fighters photographed in Syria.

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Zamboanga City, Philippines, 15 Sha’an 1438 (MINA) – Government security forces have expressed concern over the possible entry of more members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) through the southern backdoor.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command chief, was quoted by Philstar that reports from their Indonesian counterparts indicate that many Indonesian and Malaysian ISIS members returning from the Middle East may pass through Sabah.

“There are reports…that some of around 1,000 Indonesian and Malaysian (ISIS fighters)…will come here,” Galvez said.

He said they also received reports on the presence of foreign terrorists in Central Mindanao.

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“For now we have reports on the presence…of Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists,” Galvez said.

He said the presence of foreign militants in the country had been confirmed in recent military offensives. Six foreigners were among the 20 fatalities in air strikes and ground assaults that targeted a hideout of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters  (BIFF) in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao over the weekend.

Galvez said joint patrols with Indonesia and Malaysia are helping track the movement of terrorist groups.

The enforcement of joint maritime security patrols is seen to address the entry and exit of terrorists into the three countries as well as criminal activities on their respective maritime boundaries, including cross-border kidnapping by Abu Sayyaf bandits. (T/RS5/RS1)

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Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)