MNLF scoffs at jihadists

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 13): MNLF scoffs at jihadists

The Moro National Liberation Front said it foiled attempts by the Syria-based Islamic State  to influence its ranks and recruit jihadists.

MNLF Spokesman Absalom Cerveza said the IS  extremists were trying to recruit  fighters from  the MNLF ranks but were unsuccessful so far. “As of today, no one from the MNLF has manifested interest in the IS  recruitment,” Cerveza said.

He said the IS members, to boost its recruitment, fanned out to Sultan Kudarat, North Cotabato, Lanao and Maguindanao—areas considered as controlled territories of the MNLF and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Foreign jihadists have  also sought sanctuary in those areas to elude government forces, Cerveza said.

Malaysian terrorist  Zulkifli Abdul Hir, alias Marwan, believed to be the head of the Kumpulun Mujahidin Malaysian terror group and is a key leader of the Jemaah Islamiyah who has trained Abu Sayyaf Group jihadists in bomb making and other terrorist activities,  has been in the country for years.

Cerveza said the ISIS had a pointman that is in charge of the recruitment venture. He however did not identify the pointman.

The recruitment process, according to Cerveza is being done through a mechanism using Overseas Contract Workers   bound for the Middle East.

“There are no legal means for them to possibly recruit except in the guise of OCW,” Cerveza said.

Having been denied by the MNLF, the ISIS would then shift  focus to Muslim youth, the most vulnerable targets, according to Cerveza.

But Cerveza said he believed that the ISIS would eventually be able to expand its ranks with recruits  particularly the less-fortunate people or vagrants.

“Any body would accept the offer because of the lack of economic opportunities particularly  if he IS offers them a hefty $1,000 dollars per recruit,” Cervez said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/11/13/mnlf-scoffs-at-jihadists/