ISIS satellite extension in Mindanao 'unlikely' –military

The military on Tuesday downplayed a report citing a Singapore-based terrorism expert that the dreaded Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) may soon establish a "wilayat" or province in Mindanao.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla said to date, "there is no credible, verified and direct link established" between ISIS and terror groups in Mindanao.

"The possibility of establishing a satellite [extension in Mindanao] is unlikely," Padilla said. "There remains no credible and direct connection to the bigger group in the Middle East up to this time."

He was reacting to analyst Rohan Gunaratna's statement that with groups in Mindanao pledging support to ISIS, the terror organization's next likely step in the Philippines "is the proclamation of wilayat Mindanao."

Gunaratna's statement came after a video circulated in a jihadi forum on the Internet showing Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Ansar al-Khilafa leader Abu Sharifa marching with other extremist leaders and pledging allegiance with ISIS.

Padilla said the video was not actually new, noting that some of the personalities shown were killed during a military offensive against the Abu Sayyaf in Al Barka town in Basilan last December.

He also downplayed the Abu Sayyaf's pledge of allegiance to ISIS, which is blamed for numerous bloody terrorist attacks in the world.

"The recent pronouncement of [Abu Sayyaf] leader Isnilon Hapilon is part of their propaganda and does not necessarily reflect the existence of an ISIS-directed terror operation in the country," Padilla said.

Nevertheless, Padilla said the military is taking "proactive measures in preventing the spread of extremist ideology and activities in the country." —KBK, GMA News