Medialdea: Terror groups still eyeing to establish caliphate in Mindanao

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines —Despite extremist groups’ failed attempt to establish a stronghold in Marawi last year, the remnants of local terrorist groups are still eyeing to establish a “wilayat” or a caliphate in Mindanao.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said this on Wednesday during the joint session of the Senate and Congress on the possible extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“The remnants of the local terrorists groups composed of the Abu Sayyaf Group and Dawlah Islamiyah have continued with their political thrust in establishing a wilayat,” Medialdea said.

“The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, on the other hand, have remained adamant in their pursuit of establishing an independent Islamic state,” he added.

The Palace official noted that “these complications are further worsened by the presence of other foreign terrorist elements” who share the same purpose of overthrowing the government.

“We cannot turn a blind eye that Mindanao is still in the midst of rebellion,” Medialdea said.

This, according to Medialdea, “necessitates the grant of a further extension of Martial law and the suspension of the privilege on writ of habeas corpus.” /jpv

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