MILF on alert, probes possible ISIS infiltration

From the Daily Tribune (Aug 14): MILF on alert, probes possible ISIS infiltration

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed alarm over the possible infiltration of the  international terrorist group Islamic State in its ranks.

“We have formed a special MILF group that is probing the possible penetration and inspiration of some MILF members by ISIS (or IS),” MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim told reporters in a press conference alongside Malacañang’s top representative Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza.

Verifying what President Rodrigo Duterte previously spilled in one of his Army camp visits, Ebrahim said there are already ISIS-inspired groups operating in Mindanao but clarified that these organizations are not ISIS per se.

“There are groups that are inspired by ISIS. But as far as we’re concerned, there is still no ISIS organization in Mindanao,” the MILF leader said.

Tengku Dato Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, Malaysian third party representative in the GRP-MILF talks, for his part, suggested that once the insurgency issues are resolved soon, the ISIS threat will eventually be toned down.

“Peace in Mindanao will deter radicalization of people. We call on all groups in Mindanao to reject extremism,” Dato Tengku said.

Relatedly, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will be coordinating with law enforcement and security agencies in connection with the President’s order to arrest and deport alleged ISIS indoctrinators in Mindanao.

“Given the pronouncement of the President we coordinate with law enforcement and security agencies such as if they want us to identify a certain person,” said BI spokesman Antonette Mangrobang.

“We coordinate with law enforcement and intelligence when it comes to anti-crime,” she added.

Mangrobang noted that the bureau remains committed to enforce its mandate against undesirable aliens especially terrorists.

With this, the BI official called on the people to report to them any suspicious individuals in their areas.

“We are asking the public if they see any suspicious presence in their area to inform the BI,” she added.

On Thursday, Duterte ordered the military to validate reports about the presence of Arab-looking missionaries in the southern part of the country.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-on-alert-probes-possible-isis-infiltration