Palace allays Mindanao prelate’s fears over ISIS threat

Malacañang on Saturday allayed the fears of a Catholic bishop regarding the reported potential threat of some Filipinos being recruited to the militant Islamic State of Syria and Iraq (ISIS).

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the latest information from the Armed Forces of the Philippines indicates that while there can be "sympathizers," there have been no ISIS members here so far.

"Sa ISIS nakikita nila (military) na so far... walang nakikitang miyembro na narito... perhaps there can be sympathizers," she said on government-run dzRB radio.

Valte also assured bishops the government does not take the potential threat of ISIS lightly.

"Ina-assure natin we do not take it lightly. Ayaw natin magkaroon ng karagdagang problema sa bansa," she said.

Earlier, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad expressed concern over reports that some Filipinos from Mindanao are allegedly undergoing training with the ISIS.

Jumoad said he is worried what these supposed recruits will do once they return to the Philippines.

“There is reason to be worried and the possibility is real,” he said.

“I also hope our Muslim leaders will do something to neutralize this,” he added.

Meanwhile, Valte reiterated President Benigno Aquino III's assurance he will be personally overlooking the crafting of the details for security for Pope Francis when he visits the Philippines in January.

"(W)e will be tightening every nook and cranny possible, we will be making sure the plans (are) in place," she said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News