Philippines rejects "misleading" claims of being training ctr for extremists

KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. firmly dismissed misleading claims portraying the Philippines as a training hotspot for violent extremist groups such as the so-called Islamic State (ISIS).
There is no confirmation to allegations that the father-and-son suspects in the recent mass shooting in Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, received training in the Philippines before the incident on December 14, the presidential Malacanang Palace said on Wednesday.
"The President strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot," Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro told reporters in Manila.
She was commenting on recent Australian media reports that the father-and-son suspects underwent "military-style training" in the Philippines before killing 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in Sydney on December 14. "Philippine authorities in coordination with international partners continue to verify all available information but no evidence has been presented to support claims that the country was used for terrorist training," Castro said, citing a statement from the Nations Security Council.
In its statement, the NSC emphasized that Philippine security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege, reflecting substantial improvements in the country's domestic security environment.
"Both United Nations and the US Government assessments indicate that these groups now operate in a fragmented and diminished capacity. Violence in Mindanao is largely driven by historical conflicts and local clan disputes rather than the operational capacity of ISIS-affiliated organizations," the statement noted.
The NSC pointed out the significant improvements achieved in the domestic security environment that were previously affected by terrorism.
These developments reflect the sustained efforts of our security forces and the resilience of our communities in advancing peace, order, and development across the nation.
President Marcos remains clear in his directive to the Anti-Terrorism Council and other member-agencies to stay vigilant to prevent any terrorist activity within Philippine territory and to continuously enhance cooperation with international partners to safeguard national security, according to the statement. (end) aab.gb