Philippines verifying ISIS beheading video with alleged Filipino

MANILA, Philippines - Authorities are still verifying a video showing the recent Islamic State beheadings participated by an alleged Filipino, Malacañang said on Thursday.

In a press briefing, Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said there is still no confirmation that a Filipino has joined the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters.

"According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), there is no confirmed report of ISIS recruitment here in the Philippines," Coloma said.

"The AFP and other law-enforcement authorities are still ascertaining the authenticity of the video," he added.

Coloma assured that the AFP is coordinating with local leaders to prevent ISIS recruitment efforts and to support the military's counter-radicalization campaign in the communities.

The website "The ISIS Study Group" recently reported that an "Asian-looking" ISIS fighter who is "possibly Filipino Tausug" is in the video showing the beheadings of Syrian pilots and American Peter Kassig.

The website said the alleged Filipino participated in the executions.

The British news website Mail Online also reported similar information.

AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the military cannot independently verify that the "Asian-looking" executioner is Filipino based on his appearance alone.

Read: ISIS study website: Pinoy part of beheading team