ISIS operating in Southern Mindanao needs ”validation”: PNP

October 28, 2019

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said there is still a need to validate on the reports that ISIS terror group is operating in Southern Mindanao.

In a press briefing, Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac, PNP spokesperson, said security forces are still gathering information.

“This remains as an assessment and there is no concrete evidence that will prove that Southern Mindanao is their center of operations. And this is part of our validation and information gathering,” Banac said.

“So our security operations continue. We will further intensify our campaign against terrorist groups, our Armed Forces of the Philippines are monitoring it,” he added.

This, after US President Donald Trump announced the death of ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in a US military raid in Syria.

Banac said the situation in Mindanao remained peaceful.

“We became more vigilant and alert since we don’t want any attack to transpire,” Banac said.

Banac reiterated they have not monitored any threat so far especially as All Saints' Day is approaching.

“In parts of Metro Manila, Luzon and Visayas, we have not monitored any alleged members of terrorist group,” he said.

“Part of our preparation of November 1 is raising our alert status,” he added. 

Banac said maximum presence of all police force is needed. ''It’s part of our prevention in any possible incident of attacks by terrorist groups that could be a sympathizer of ISIS group,” he said.

“The situation is under control in the whole country,” Banac added. Ella Dionisio/DMS