Marcos rejects claims PH an ISIS training hotspot

Metro Manila, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has rejected claims labeling the country as a training hotspot for Islamic State-linked groups, with Malacañang saying there is no evidence linking the country to the recent mass shooting in Sydney, Australia.

Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said Wednesday, Dec. 17, the National Security Council (NSC) has not confirmed claims that the father-son suspects in the Dec. 14 Bondi Beach shooting were trained in the country.

“The president strongly rejects the sweeping statement and the misleading characterization of the Philippines as the ISIS training hotspot,” Castro said during a press briefing.

Castro said the NSC described reports labeling the Philippines as an ISIS hotspot as misleading, noting that there is no validated information linking the suspects to any form of terrorist training in the country.

“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,” the NSC said in a statement read by Castro.

The council said security forces have significantly weakened ISIS-affiliated groups since the 2017 Marawi siege.

“Both United Nations and the U.S. 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 NSC said.

It cited significant improvements in domestic security following years of counterterrorism efforts.

“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,” it said.

The NSC added that Marcos has directed the Anti-Terrorism Council and other agencies to remain vigilant against any terrorist activity and to continue strengthening coordination with international partners to safeguard national security.

Castro called for responsible reporting.

“Maging mapanuri at maging responsable rin po sa pagpapahayag at lalo po ito ay nakakaapekto sa integridad at imahe ng Pilipinas,” she said.

[Translation: Be discerning and responsible in reporting, especially since this affects the integrity and image of the Philippines.]