By Genalyn Kabiling
Foreign terrorists are lurking in Mindanao as the Islamic State has already established a foothold in the southern region, President Duterte warned last Tuesday.
The President cautioned the public about the imminent “ugly” situation arising from the threats posed by terror suspects that include Syrians, Arabs, Indonesians, and Malaysians.
“The ISIS has gained a foothold in the southern part of the Philippines. It’s a mix. But it has never been a question or issue of religion. It never has been but it’s turning to be an ugly one,” Duterte said during the 116th anniversary celebration of the Bureau of Customs in Manila last Tuesday.
“Kasi nandito na – the Syrians, the Arabs, the white Arabs, there are the dark Arabs, a lot of Indonesian and Malaysian terrorists there just waiting to – you give them the slightest reason. That’s the only thing. It has nothing to do with perpetuating in power,” he added.
The military recently disclosed that it has monitored 48 foreign terrorists allegedly recruiting and training members in Mindanao.
Maj. Gen. Fernando Trinidad, Armed Forces of the Philippines deputy chief of staff for Intelligence, some foreign terror suspects were assisting a local group in Saranggani while others were providing aid and training to Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan, and Maute Group in Lanao del Sur.