Lorenzana: Military verifying reports of foreign terrorists in Mindanao

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana (in focus, right). MALACAÑANG PHOTO

The Philippine military continues to verify reports that foreign terrorists may have entered Mindanao.

“’Yun ang hinahanap namin ngayon (That is what we are finding out now); we are trying to confirm reports that there are foreign terrorists inside the country especially in Mindanao,” Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana told reporters Tuesday.

Lorenzana said the reports from neighboring countries like Malaysia and Indonesia indicate that there is an increase of foreign fighters in Mindanao.

“But we are trying to verify that; up to now, wala pa kaming na-coconfirm (we haven’t confirmed anything yet),” he said.

Lorenzana justified that the continuing threat requires martial law in Mindanao.

“The martial law was requested for an extension because we believe that there is still rebellion there brought about by our homegrown terrorists, the Maute groups, assisted of course by some foreigners. That is the justification,” he said.

Several foreign fighters participated during the five-month Marawi siege, the biggest security crisis of the military in recent years. /je