Palace: Death of IS leader Baghdadi ‘good news;’ fight vs extremism won’t stop

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines fight against extremism remains relentless despite the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

“Then that’s good news for countries who have been terrorized by the Isis (Islamic State of Syria and Iraq),” presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing on Monday.

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But despite the death al-Baghdadi, arguably the world’s most wanted man, Panelo said “the leader of one group does not mean the extinction of that band of terrorists.”

“We know that for a fact,” he said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said the Isis was already in Mindanao, citing the extremist group is “everywhere.”

Panelo said the death of the Isis leader could demoralize some of its members but won’t wipe out the extremist group.

“As I said, the death of the leader does not mean the extinction of their group. But then, it may also cause discouragement to the part of the terrorist group,” he said.

“But as far as we’re concerned, whether the leader dies or not, we will secure that part of our country from them,” he added, referring to the conflict-torn Mindanao.