AFP expects lesser terrorist activities after death of ISIS leader

October 28, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expect lesser terrorist activities in the country following the reported death of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“His death will definitely impact on local terrorist groups but not to the point of its demise. Because with Al Qaida leadership is centralized on Bin Laden, that is why his death eventually led to its collapse,” said Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, Monday.

“Unlike Al Qaida, ISIS is essentially devolved from Al-Bhagdadi, their lesson owing from the mistake of the former. But Al-Bhagdadi's death will translate to lesser terrorist activities since the inspiration they derive from him,” he said.

Arevalo expressed doubt this will make members of ISIS-inspired group to conduct sympathy attacks.

“We seriously doubt that. If they are to conduct any terrorist atrocity, it will not be for that reason. But we are ready to combat any eventuality,” he said.

AFP Western Mindanao Command commander Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said al-Baghdadi is not famous among the members of the local terrorist group in the country.

“al-Baghdadi is not very known the rank and file. Only few on their group know him. That is based on the interviews we had with those who surrendered during the custodial debriefing,” he said.

However, Sobejana said the military will not let it guard down and will always anticipate for possible worst case scenario.

“We are on alert that is why this morning the first order I had was to issue a directive to all the units within Western Mindanao Command to intensify their intelligence operations, monitor the hostile plans of the ISIS-inspired group here in the area and make proactive measures so we do not just take it for granted,” he said.

“We anticipate the worst case scenario but there is no cause of alarm because of our soldiers always do their best but the support and cooperation of our people is more important,” he added. Robina Asido/DMS