More and More Troops in Zambasulta for ISIS recruitment monitoring

Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed brigade in a key areas in Mindanao in its bid to strengthen the monitoring and intelligence efforts against the possible recruitment by the secessionist groups to join Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang said that the troops are deployed in Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu and Tawi—Tawi known as Zambasulta area.

“ISIS is in the Middle East, so we are just monitoring what is going on there, especially in Iraq and Syria,” General Catapang said when he was interviewed after budget hearings for defense department at Senate Friday.

“There is verified report or confirmed report about the recruitment but we are taking it seriously,” he said. “We added additional one brigade in Mindanao. Nagdagdag kami ng tropa sa Mindanao. They will be scattered in what we call, Zambasulta or Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulo, Tawi-tawi,” he added.

According to General Catapang, the recent deployment of additional troops will boost further monitoring and intelligence operations in the said area.