No foreign terrorists monitored in Philippines, says military chief
Last two foreign terrorists neutralised last year, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. says.
MANILA: The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., has reportedly declared that there are currently no foreign terrorists being monitored on Philippine soil.
This significant development came after the successful efforts of the military and other law enforcement agencies, he said according to PhilStar.
During a public briefing, Brawner emphasised the improved safety situation in the country.
"We have neutralised the last two foreign terrorists last year, and as of now, there are none being monitored." PhilStar quoted him as saying.
In addition to this achievement, he added several provinces have been declared insurgency-free, including areas in Mindanao.
This progress has the country's insurgency and local terrorist group challenges more manageable, he said.
Brawner's statement on foreign terrorists came after SEA MILITANCY’s exclusive in February this year that a foreign Islamic State spokesman, possibly Syrian, had spoken from Mindanao, according to a terrorism monitor.
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Regarding the New People's Army (NPA), the communist insurgent group, Brawner revealed that there are seven remaining guerrilla fronts that the military is actively dismantling.
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is also employing non-military approaches to address the issue.
The whole-of-nation approach has been effective in encouraging NPA members to surrender their arms, he said.
A comprehensive reintegration programme offers housing, livelihood support, and educational opportunities for their children.
Meanwhile, Brawner added the AFP continues its operations against local terror groups such as the Maute Group, Dawlah Islamiya and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
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