Expert expresses concern over ISIS flag in beheading video

From GMA News (Sep 4): Expert expresses concern over ISIS flag in beheading video

[Video report]

A security expert has expressed concern over the presence of the flag of the extremist group ISIS in the video showing the Abu Sayyaf Group's beheading of the abducted barangay captain from Dapitan in August, GMA News TV's Balitanghali reported on Friday.

Prof. Romel Banlaoi, a security expert, said he has seen many beheading videos in the country but added that this was the first that he saw ISIS' flag in the background.

"Nagbibigay sila ng mensahe na kaparis ng ginagawa ng ISIS.... Pinapakita lang dito na yung impluwensiya ng isis ay nakarating na sa Pilipinas," Banlaoi said.

Rodolfo Buligao was killed by the bandits on Aug. 11.

The two Philippine Coast Guard members who were earlier shown with him in another video by the bandits escaped on Aug. 19.

The report quoted the military as saying that while it was natural that ISIS' influence could already be felt in the country, there was no cause for concern since no member has yet to set foot in the Philippines.

The government claimed to be on the lookout to prevent ISIS members from coming into the country.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/535636/news/nation/expert-expresses-concern-over-isis-flag-in-beheading-video