No Filipino rebel fighting with ISIS — AFP

ABU SAYYAF GROUP (Photo courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA — Amid the existing conflict, the Armed Forces of the Philippines clarified that no Filipino rebels were reported to have joined the extremist from fighting for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The statement was made following reports that several Filipino rebels were already fighting for the extremist group.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos was quoted on earlier reports saying that at least 100 Filipinos are now training with jihadists in ISIS.

The former president added that several members of the Abu Sayyaf group and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) infiltrated Iraq to train and be jihadists.

The said rebels were also reported to have broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The AFP, however, insisted that there was not any monitored Filipino in the ISSI.