‘IS will never gain foothold in Phl’

Islamic State (IS) militants will never gain a foothold anywhere in the Philippines but will remain a national security concern, President Duterte said.

Duterte cited the military’s gains against the Abu Sayyaf, a local terrorist group involved in bombings and kidnappings that has pledged allegiance to the IS. The strength of the Abu Sayyaf has been estimated at about 400.

“I am especially pleased with our military’s recent accomplishments against the Abu Sayyaf. Your efforts have brought us even closer to our ultimate objective of totally crushing violent extremism at its roots,” Duterte told the troops at Camp Teodulfo Bautista during the commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan in Jolo, Sulu last Tuesday.

“With this, I can confidently declare that ISIS will never gain foothold anywhere in the Philippines,” Duterte added, using another acronym of the terrorist group.

The IS, which aims to establish a worldwide caliphate, inspired extremists from the Maute group to occupy Marawi City in 2017, a siege that led to the longest urban war in the Philippines since World War II.

About 1,000 terrorists and more than 160 soldiers died during the siege, which prompted Duterte to place the entire island Mindanao under martial law.

Duterte, nevertheless, said the military should continue its campaign against IS and its supporters.

“Well of course, there is the ISIS that we have to worry (about) in this part of Sulu, up and down Basilan. We’ll just have to fight and fight,” the President said.

“When you fight, I will protect you, the utmost,” he added.

Duterte also lauded the soldiers who were killed and injured during recent military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

“I purposely went here to commemorate Araw ng Kagitingan. All Filipinos deserve the title kagitingan (valor). But here in Jolo, the bravest ones are here. To the gallant men of Jolo, you have my everlasting gratitude for what you are doing to our country,” the President said.

“Let me assure you that the government continues to prioritize your welfare and that of your families,” he added.

The President went on to assure the troops that in the remaining three years of his term, they would be rewarded with good pay and service and everything they would need afterwards.