Military remains on high alert after death of Islamic State leader Baghdadi

Following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday said government troops would remain on high alert to "thwart possible attempts to ride on this development."

In a statement, AFP spokesman Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said the death of Baghdadi dealt a severe blow on terrorist organizations around the world.

"We expect that his death will impact negatively on the leadership of terrorists in various parts of the world," Arevalo said.

"The AFP will continue with our vigorous efforts to prevent or counter terrorist extremists who continue to threaten our country," he added.

Asked if there would be sympathy attacks from ISIS elements following Baghdadi's death, Arevalo said: "We seriously doubt that. If they are to conduct any terrorist atrocity, it will not be for that reason."

The AFP spokesman, however, vowed that the military is ready once terrorists launch attacks.

Arevalo promised to continue defeating the Daesh-inspired groups from recruiting new members and exploiting the situation in the countryside.

"We will build from our triumph in Marawi in frustrating ISIS move to establish a  caliphate in our country," Arevalo said.

Arevalo also said Baghdadi's death would "translate to lesser terrorist activities."

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac assured the public that no threat has been monitored following the death of the terrorist leader.

"Sa ngayon naman ay wala tayong natatanggap na banta sa ating seguridad kaya ang ating mga kababayan ay huwag mangamba at maaaring magpatuloy sila sa kanilang plano na pag-uwi," Banac said in an ambush interview.

Banac said security operations would continue to prevent terror groups from bringing hostilities.

Asked about the peace and order situation in Mindanao, Banac said the security in the area remains peaceful.

According to United States (US) president Donald Trump, Baghdadi killed himself during the raid by detonating a suicide vest. He added that test results from the aftermath of the raid had positively identified the terrorist leader.

A Reuters report stated that Baghdadi had long been sought by the United States as head of a jihadist group that at one point controlled large areas of Syria and Iraq, where it declared a caliphate. — RSJ, GMA News