IS supporters actively recruiting in Mindanao – PNP

Local groups identified with the Islamic State (IS) continue to make the rounds of Muslim communities recruiting fighters, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa said the concentration of the recruitment is in Marawi City and Lanao provinces and is not discounting the possibility that other Muslim areas in Mindanao are being visited, too.

“We have been receiving reports of recruitment, we are

still monitoring it,” said dela Rosa.

President Duterte earlier warned of the presence of foreign terrorists lurking in Mindanao. The Armed forces said they have monitored the presence of 48 terrorists.

The continuous recruitment and presence of terror groups in some parts of Mindanao is one of the reasons why the Chief Executive asked for a one year extension of martial law in Mindanao. The Supreme Court ruled the martial law extension granted by the two Houses of congress as constitutional.

Dela Rosa said they are still confirming reports that the recruitment is also being done in the Visayas and some parts of Luzon.

“That remains to be confirmed, those in Luzon and the Visayas. But in Mindanao, they are trying to recruit in Muslim areas,” said Dela Rosa.

But they are constantly coordinating with the AFP.

“We are having information-sharing with the AFP and other intelligence units,” said Dela Rosa.