Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Isnilon Hapilon is seen swearing allegiance to the Islamic State in this image grabbed from video posted on the internet
A Basilan-based faction of the Abu Sayyaf has reportedly begun recruiting new members using the name of the Islamic State, a police intelligence source said.
“The recruitment of new members under the name of (IS) is centered in the hinterland villages in the towns of Tipo-Tipo and Al-Barka, both in Basilan,” and is undertaken by the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Isnilon Hapilon, said the source, an officer based in Camp Crame who insists on being identified only as Pokemon and has provided accurate information on the extremists in the past.
In 2014, a video was posted on the internet of Isnilon leading his men in swearing allegiance to IS.
Pokemon said Isnilon’s band appears to be awash in cash, indicating they may have their own source of funds aside from the ransoms for victims of the Abu Sayyaf’s frequent kidnappings.
“They have already recruited at least 20 new members, mostly belonging to the Yakan” tribe, Pokemon said.
“They are promising their new recruits the amount of P5,000 and an M-16 rifle per meeting ... and so far they have (held) three meetings,” he added, citing information he said was relayed by inside informants.
The Abu Sayyaf used to be linked to Al-Qaeda, the terror network founded by Osama bin Laden, but lately has been said to identify more with IS.
Other armed groups reported to have pledged allegiance to IS are the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, and the Rajah Solaiman Movement, which also used to be associated with Al-Qaeda.
http://interaksyon.com/article/129401/abu-sayyaf-in-basilan-recruiting-new-members-using-is-tag---source
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