Gov’t to check Duterte’s claims on Filipino recruits of ISIS

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Malacanang on Monday said that it is ready to work with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to confirm his claims that a group of Filipinos has left the country to fight for the jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

“We will coordinate if need be with Mayor Duterte so we may process the info and validate it,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a text message to media.

However, he said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines had already stated that it had not received any intelligence report on the alleged recruitment of Filipinos by the ISIS.

“We treat information only accurate if validated and so far there are no report nor names if Filipinos that are in the Middle East fighting for ISIS,” Lacierda said.

During a television interview on Monday, Duterte said some Davao residents have already left the country to join ISIS. His claim echoes that of former Preisdent Fidel Ramos who said around 100 Filipinos were already being trained by the terrorist group.

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