TERROR NETWORK

Philippine govt must understand what led terror groups to combine forces in Marawi

SOUTHEAST Asia remains the last frontier of religious extremist groups which want to turn it into a “caliphate” and base for the region.

The threat has escalated to an all-time high. There is a collaboration between international terrorist groups that have reemerged, such as al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah.

The Marawi attack, which was led by the Islamic State of Lanao, or more commonly known as the Islamic State, and backed by the Maute group, has claimed the southern Philippine city as a stronghold.

The Maute group has joined forces with other local groups, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which command more than 200 foot soldiers.

The discovery of foreign fighters during the recent offensive reveals that there are Malaysians, Indonesians, Singaporeans, Thais and Middle Eastern people involved. It is probable that Chinese Uyghurs are also involved.

Such a threat was not the first in the region as Malaysia also experienced an incursion in Sabah by the Sulu in 2013.

Sources say fighters as young as 15 years old, who carry membership cards that depict Egyptian terrorist groups, have been recruited in the Sulu region.

Philippine security forces tracked Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon’s movements to Marawi city from the Basilan region.

Intelligence reports say the discovery of Maute’s operations was the result of Hapilon being spotted in Marawi.

The presence of Hapilon and other suspected terrorist leaders in the city called for an urgent and crucial strategic information management plan to be tabled to address the potential threat.

This, as well as the warrant attained by the Philippine authorities for Hapilon, sparked a sudden and unprecedented attack by the Maute group on May 22.

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