Extremist Islamic Terror Groups Continue Threat in Philippines

Abu Sayyaf Supported by Dural Islam, Jamaah Islamiyan

Despite many recent arrests, the continuing threat posed by extremist Islamic terror groups operating in the Southern Philippines is very real.

Sources even say that their numbers may be multiplying, as more fighters from other countries are being shipped in to commit terrorist acts of violence. Alarmingly, the most common group, the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, has now asked for assistance from two other very dangerous foreign-based al-Qaeda-linked groups: Jemaah Islamiyah and Darul Islam.

These groups may be even more dangerous than Abu Sayyaf because they have better training and resources to launch attacks against civilians. The presence of these groups in the Philippines is a major concern for authorities, and their activities must be halted as soon as possible. On the positive side for authorities, it shows the desperation of Abu Sayyaf. The group has suffered multiple defeats in the past several months. It would not need this foreign assistance if it were winning battles and gaining support.

Recent arrests of 12 terrorist suspects, including two Filipinos, in Malaysia confirmed what many had long suspected: The terror group Darul Islam is trying to make progress into the Southern Philippines. Malaysian authorities said publicly that the arrests crippled the activities of the group in the area, but there is still concern about possible future activities. They will pass on official word of the intelligence they have gathered to home authorities soon. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesmen Jose Angel Honrado said, “When we receive the report, we will take matters seriously.”

Many experts are bothered by the seeming lack of official information on the Darul Islam group. Public Information Office Chief Tristan Kison said that the military does not have “much information on the group as of now.” Perhaps they should learn the details about a group that is threatening the Philippines and not leave all the work up to Malaysian authorities.
Besides, much about the group is already public knowledge. Darul Islam assisted terrorists Umar Patek and Dulmatin, the two main culprits behind the 2002 Bali bombings, to slip into the Southern Philippines unnoticed by authorities. They also smuggled guns and other weapons through the same region.

A source in the Malaysian intelligence forces said, “The regional intelligence agencies had been keeping tabs on the group, particularly with its links to Abu Sayyaf, a small violent group operating in the Southern Philippines. Several of its leaders had reportedly fought in Afghanistan during the Soviet war and were students and proponents of radical Islamic teaching.” Anti-Terrorism Task Force spokesmen Ricardo Blancafor refused to comment specifically on Darul Islam but cited the progress made in other areas, saying that a number of Jemaah Islamiyah camps had been dismantled in Central Mindanao.

Army Brigadier General Alexander Aleo, military commander of Jolo Island, was more forthcoming. He said that the authorities are looking into Abu Sayyaf’s connection with the dangerous terror group Darul Islam. General Aleo, in fact, believes that many inter-linked terror groups are operating within the Philippines and the surrounding areas. He is very concerned about their activities, particularly the support they receive from foreign governments. The fact that radical foreign governments are trying to influence activities in the region is of great concern.

Other sources that believe it is likely that Darul Islam, from its bases in Malaysia and Indonesia, is planning to launch bomb attacks against the Philippines. These intentions, and the connection to the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf terror group, were made clear by confessions of the 12 terrorists arrested in Malaysia. They were found with bomb-making materials and other illegal substances. One of those arrested even admitted to training terrorists in the Southern Philippines. He in turn had been trained by al-Qaeda in Afghanistan in the past. “He is quite dangerous,” said one source. “He has a strong influence on terrorist groups in the region.”
It is alarming that such a notorious criminal would be involved with illegal terrorist activities in the Southern Philippines. The authorities must do everything they can to stop such men from committing terrible acts against innocent civilians.

It is also important for all good citizens to help the authorities by reporting any suspicious activities or strange characters immediately. Foreign-supported extremist groups will do anything they can to terrorize the Philippines and commit their crimes. They will kill innocent civilians without a second thought. They will set off bombs in the vicinity of women and children. Foreign-supported terror groups, such as Abu Sayyaf and Darul Islam, cause great harm to the Philippines. Their terrible activities must be stopped.