United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) vice presidential candidate Senator Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan II today reiterated the importance of an extensive verification and validation of the reported presence of Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS) extremists in the southern region.
Honasan said that the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) should exert all efforts to confirm if the reports are true.
“If the reports are true it should be validated. The Intelligence Service of the AFP should exert all efforts to confirm if it is classified. As we know, terrorism represented by ISIS and even any other groups identified in this activity is an idea which can only be countered by much better ideas,” Honasan said.
Earlier this year, a video from Mindanao circulated in the jihadi forum Shumukh al-Islam, showing Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon marching with extremist leader Abu Sharifa, leader of Ansar al-Khalifa. Both leaders have allegedly pledged allegiance to ISIS leader Abu bakr al-Baghdadi.
Honasan said the national government, especially the Armed Forces, should not dilly-dally in taking the necessary actions to ensure and protect the safety of its people.
He added: “We as a nation should never be reluctant in doing proper actions. Baka gumising na lang tayo isang araw na meron ng ISIS attacks in our territories using groups that they reportedly train for their evil purpose.”
Honasan, a former soldier and an advocate of country’s national security concerns, reiterated that to be able to defeat terrorism in the country the following factors should be available at all times: good government, systematic reforms, cooperation in homes and communities, external vigilance and faster responses to threats.
He likewise stressed the need to prioritize the approval of proposed amendments to the Human Security Act and National Defense and Security laws.