Analyst Heydarian issues warning after men allegedly linked to ISIS were nabbed in Luzon

GMA resident analyst Richard Heydarian on Tuesday warned that the supposed ISIS threat in Luzon should be taken seriously.

This came following the arrest of two men in Cagayan province. High-powered firearms as well as explosive devices have been recovered from the suspects.

Heydarian said the two nabbed individuals may have contact with ISIS groups in other countries, adding that the kind of weapons seized from them should be a reason for Philippine authorities not to belittle them.

"Hindi ibig sabihin na nakiride-on lang sila. These guys have certain level of training. It's possible na mayroon silang certain level of communication directly doon sa ISIS command based sa Middle East or dito sa Malaysia and Indonesia," Heydarian said.

"Since medyo natalo-talo 'yung ISIS group diyan sa Mindanao at dahil sa martial law, medyo mahigpit 'yung situation, baka tumitingin sila sa Luzon area," he added.

Philippine National Police chief Police General Oscar Albayalde earlier said  authorities have not monitored any imminent danger, specifically in Luzon, from the ISIS group.

He also said police continue to monitor the area.

President Rodrigo Duterte said the Philippines will not be able to eliminate terror group Islamic State during his remaining years in office.

Duterte however said he is "trying" to reduce the threat of ISIS to the "barest minimum possible." —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News