Eastern Mindanao Command Deputy Chief Brigadier General Gilbert Gapay sees the need to intensify the country's maritime security.
During the 'Mindanao Hour' press briefing in Davao City on Friday, Gapay said, 'foreign terrorists are entering the Philippines through the backdoor.'
Some foreign terrorists are also sneaking into the country and "immigration procedures must also be strengthened," he said.
Gapay's remarks come, following the statement of Armed Forces Chief of Staff Eduardo Ano that there are about 40 foreign terrorists in the country.
Gapay noted, the foreign terrorists are Malaysians, Indonesians, Arabs and Pakistanis.
About 8 suspected foreign terrorists were killed during the firefight between government troops and the Maute group in Marawi City on May 26, 2017.