MANILA – The Philippine military said Monday it was checking reports that some Filipino Muslims were training with Islamic State militants in Syria and Iraq.
A Filipino police officer in civilian clothes (R) escorts Abu Sayyaf suspect Halillula Alih, captured by the government security forces, inside a police headquarters in Zamboanga City, southern Philippines, Aug 21. Philippine security forces intensify hunt against the Abu Sayyaf militants that reportedly pledge alliance with the Islamic State for Iraq and Levant (ISIS). (EPA photo)
The Filipinos allegedly left the country in July, according to Mayor Rodrigo Duterte of the southern city of Davao, where some of the recruits came from.
Former president Fidel Ramos said last week that about 100 Filipinos were training to be jihadists in Syria.
"I will validate that and take a careful look if there is basis to that so that we can take appropriate action," said Major General Eduardo Ano, an army division commander. "I will ask our intelligence units to check, to verify if that information is valid."
Local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, which has been linked to the international al-Qaeda network, and the separatist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters have pledged allegiance to the Islamic State via videos posted on the internet.
The military previously denied reports about Filipinos being recruited by the jihadist group.