Palace confirms Jemaah-Abu Sayyaf tie up but no specific threat on Metro

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang has confirmed the international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiya’s is closely working with the Abu Sayyaf Group but has denied receiving specific reports that the two are threatening Metro Manila.

“The analysis in so far as JI working closely with the Abu Sayyaf is correct,” Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told reporters.

Lacierda earlier confirmed that the JI and the ASG have merged but later modified his statement to say that the two groups have been closely working together.

“That’s being done right now in Jolo but there are no specific reports of any threat of these two groups coming to Manila. All the information is being vetted by the intelligence community,” Lacierda added.

“According to Secretary Cesar Garcia, we received information and all information whether scuttlebutt gossip are being investigated and vetted. There is no specific report as to any threats towards Metro Manila,” he added.