Army: No local ISIS-linked threats amid Middle East conflict

There is no immediate threat of spillover violence from local terrorist groups linked to the Islamic State amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, the Philippine Army assured on Wednesday.

Army spokesperson Col. Louie Dema-ala told DAILY TRIBUNE that the military remains on high alert and continues to conduct security operations to neutralize extremist groups in Mindanao.

"We have not received any threats from terrorist groups in Mindanao, however, the Philippine Army continues to pursue these groups to ensure peace and order in the area," he said.

"Field commanders are conducting proactive security measures at their respective areas of operations," he added.

Terrorist elements such as Daulah Islamiyah factions, Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and Ansar Khalifa Philippines have long maintained a presence in southern Philippines, though the military has scaled up efforts to diminish their influence.

Dema-ala confirmed that offensives continue against the Dawlah Islamiyah (DI) group after a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on 22 June killed two of its members.

Identified as Tahir Salim Suweb, 41, and Benladin Adi Kamid, 23, the two were killed in an operation by the 6th Infantry Division (6ID) in Barangay Libutan. Both were tagged as members of the Dawlah Islamiyah-Hassan Group.

“It is always the guidance of the Commanding General (LtGen. Roy Galido) to the Philippine Army to continue the pursuit operations. There will be no let-up in running after the members of these terrorist groups,” Dema-ala said.

He added that the Army is working closely with local communities to maintain peace and dismantle terrorist networks in the region.

Two soldiers were injured in the clash and are currently recovering. Troops recovered two M16A1 rifles, a .45 caliber pistol, materials for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an unexploded ordnance (UXO), several mobile phones, a monocular scope, a bipod, communications gear, and a clutch bag containing fake IDs.

Dema-ala said the Army will support the Philippine National Police (PNP) in its investigation into whether the slain DI-Hassan members were involved in the May killing of three goat traders in Batangas.

The victims were found dead on 30 May in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao del Sur, nearly a week after disappearing during a business trip.

“They are the same group present in that area, that’s why such possibility is there. This is part of the investigation of the 6th ID as well as the Philippine National Police,” Dema-ala said.