ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – No member of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has been monitored in Mindanao, a ranking military official said yesterday.
Western Mindanao Command chief Major Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz made the statement after the recovery of black flags resembling those of ISIS from an extremist group.
Marines in Sultan Kudarat last week neutralized eight members of the Ansar Al-Khalifa, a notorious armed band linked to the Abu Sayyaf and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
Apart from the flags, government troops recovered from the group a Barrett sniper rifle and bomb materials.
De la Cruz said there is no direct evidence that would prove that the Ansar Al-Khalifa is part of the ISIS.
“They could be riding on the ISIS just to sow fear,” De la Cruz said.
Military troops said it was not the first time that black flags bearing the Islamic Shahada have been recovered from militants.