THE Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the bomb blast that wounded 14 people in Quiapo, Manila on Friday, but the authorities insisted that the explosion was not a terrorist attack.
On Saturday, the US-based SITE Intelligence Group said the ISIS-run Amaq News Agency reported that the group was responsible for a bombing in Manila Friday.
The bomb went off Friday night as the country was preparing to host the 30th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Summit.
“There is nothing to indicate or show that the Quiapo explosion was connected with any terrorist or threat group,” said National Capital Region police regional director Oscar Albayalde.
“We maintain that this incident is nothing but a local peace and order concern involving feuding gangs or persons in the Quiapo area,” he said.
He added that ISIS was “grabbing the opportunity to promote their cause and interest.”
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana also dismissed claims made by jihadist group, saying that these were a result of a local gang conflict.
“The ISIS can claim all they want but that was not their handiwork,” Lorenzana said.
President Rodrigo Duterte had earlier said the Abu Sayyaf and the Maute group have pledged their allegiance to ISIS.
But Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año on Friday said he saw the eventual defeat of the Abu Sayyaf, following the death of Alhabsy Misaya, a sub-leader.
Armed Forces chief Gen. Eduardo Año said the ASG’s notoriety would soon be diminished following the series of setbacks for the bandit group, including the slaying of Misaya.
“His death will surely diminish the ASG’s capability to conduct terrorism, particularly kidnapping,” Año said. He added that this would also affect the terrorist group’s recruitment efforts and lead to its eventual defeat.
Misaya, a sub-leader, was pinned down by Marines on the ridges of Indanan, Sulu.
His slaying came after security forces neutralized Muamar Ashkali, alias Abu Rami, who was behind the recent beheading of two Canadians and a German national in Sulu.
Año said Misaya’s death was a powerful blow to the ASG.
Misaya, also known as Abu Rami, was in charge of kidnapping foreigners and was known as a daring terrorist. Misaya’s enlistment activities contributed to the radicalization of young Tausugs, hje added.
Dozens of ASG sub-leaders have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte declared an all out war and even offered a bounty of P1 million each.
“We have received many surrender feelers from the remaining ASG members,” Año said adding that the military will continue its relentless efforts until it has neutralize the last ASG terrorist.
The group’s top leader, Radullan Sahiron, who was critically wounded in the Lanao del Sur military operations, has sent surrender feelers to ranking military commanders in Mindanao.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Misaya’s death was a big plus.
“His followers hopefully get the message that the long arm of the law will eventually catch up with them and hence, motivate them to turn a new leaf and seriously consider surrendering,” Padilla said.
“It also sends a clear message to the community that supporting criminals will not bring them a better life but only greater misery if they insist on providing them safe havens. The AFP, without doubt, communicated its serious intent in addressing the threat posed by this group and its dedication to serve and secure the people, Padilla said referring to Misaya’s death. With Sandy Araneta and AFP