PNP to verify reports on foreign terrorists working with ASG in Mindanao

Director General Oscar Albayalde. Photo from a PNP video posted on its Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has yet to verify reports of seven foreign terrorists suspected to be in southern Philippines working with local terrorist groups in the area.

“Of course, hindi naman natin pwedeng ma-confirm or deny. ‘Yung intelligence kaya nga tinawag na intelligence information — these are all needing of confirmation from the ground by our intelligence agency [and] for that matter kailangan nating i-verify,” PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde told reporters in Camp Crame in Quezon City on Wednesday.

This is contrary to Armed Forces of the Philippines’ report which stated that foreign terrorists are “grooming” future suicide bombers from local groups that have pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

According to Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of Western Mindanao Command, the seven foreigners are scattered in Basilan, Sulu, and Maguindanao with the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. /je

READ: AFP: 7 foreign terrorists training future suicide bombers in Mindanao