Jihadist Islamic State fighters will not succeed in founding a “wilayat” or province in Southeast Asia, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed on Wednesday.
“We will not allow those who subscribe to the Daesh ideology to succeed. We will never allow the Islamic State to make the Philippines its regional center,” Duterte said during the 82nd anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
The President cited the killing of Abu Sayyaf leader and supposed emir of ISIS in the Philippines, Isnilon Hapilon, as a major milestone in the government’s fight against terrorism.
“The success, along with the recent neutralization of Isnilon Hapilon and his followers, further bolsters this administration’s firm thrust towards eliminating all terrorist groups in the country,” said Duterte.
While the government has already began rebuilding efforts of Marawi City, Duterte said he will be needing their help in purging the southern region of terror groups.
“Our fight is far from over. We will remain vigilant as we continue to intensify military operations against the remaining terrorist groups,” he added.
He also thanked the military, police, and other uniformed personnel for their sacrifice to ensure the liberation of Marawi City, held for five long months by ISIS-inspired terrorists.
“I now return the favor to our troops who made the supreme sacrifice, suffered injuries and went beyond the call of duty. Be assured that the government will support all of your endeavors as we realize a stronger and more resilient government,” the President said.
“Do not worry about your families. Do not kill yourself just thinking of what will happen tomorrow,” he added.
Duterte, in his request to Congress for the extension of Martial Law in Mindanao for one more year, vowed for a “total eradication” of Islamic State-insipired terrorists and communist rebels, including their coddlers, supporters and financiers.
Remnants of Da’awatul Islamiyah, or the DIWM and their allies have been monitored towards continuing with their plan to build a “wilayat” or province for the Islamic State in Southeast Asia—activities including recruitment and reorganization in Central Mindanao, particularly in the provinces of Maguindanao and North Cotabato and also in Sulu and Basilan,” Duterte said, as he cited continuing threats posed by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and Abu Sayyaf group carrying out acts of terrorism in various parts of the island.