AFP determining terror affiliation of slain Indon in Hapilon’s group

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) (Pictured) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said that they are now looking into the possible terrorist affiliation of one of the Indonesians who was killed Saturday. (Photo: Armed Forces of the Philippines/ Facebook)

MANILA –Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año said that they are now looking into the possible terrorist affiliation of one of the Indonesians who was killed Saturday.

The latter was among the four bandits killed and affiliated with wounded Abu Sayyaf Group commander Isnilon Hapilon who was earlier wounded in surgical air and artillery strike conducted by the military last Jan. 25.

Año identified the slain Indonesian as a certain “Mohisen” and that they are looking into his background to determine whether he is affiliated with ISIS or not.

He added the slain Indonesian is among the small group of followers Hapilon took with him when they tried to assess the feasibility of establishing a “wilayat” (Islamic province) in Central Mindanao, at the alleged behest of ISIS, last December.

At that time, the ASG chief was trying to motivate the Maute Group in Butig town, Lanao Del Sur to join the ISIS ranks.

However, this attempt was met with a strong AFP reaction which eventually drove them away from the above-mentioned area.

The AFP chief said the slain terrorist is not a bomb maker like the earlier Jemaah Islamiyah members who flocked earlier to the ASG ranks but seemed more of a religious adviser or organizer.

Año said they are still monitoring two foreigners in Hapilon’s group in Lanao Del Sur as of this posting.