Intelligence agents monitoring 40 terrorists in Mindanao — Lorenzana

The government's intelligence sector is monitoring 40 terrorists in Mindanao, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said on Wednesday.

"The intelligence people meron daw silang namo-monitor na 40 daw sa loob, scattered in Central Mindanao, Basilan...” Lorenzana told reporters during a press conference at Camp Aguinaldo.

The Defense Secretary said that the nationality of these terrorists have not yet been yet identified, and that foreign terrorists could be present in the country and taking steps to teach local terrorists how to make bombs.

On Sunday, two bombs exploded at a cathedral in Jolo, Sulu—one inside the building, the other outside. Twenty-one people died, while scores were injured.

The authorities are eyeing Abu Sayyaf subgroup Ajang-Ajang for the attack, while Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Due to the several attacks, Lorenzana said, the president ordered him: “Ubusin natin ang Abu Sayyaf.”

On Tuesday, the military unleashed air strikes in Sulu after members of Abu Sayyaf were sighted. — BM, GMA News