video released on Nov. 16 by al-Furqan Media
allegedly shows members of the Islamic State
jihadist group preparing the simultaneous
beheading of at least 15 men.
The Philippine government has committed to help fight the moving threat of the Islamic State, amid reports that the jihadists beheaded 19 people, including an American aid worker, which The United States decried as “an act of pure evil.”
On Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino III expressed the government’s commitment to help Turkey in its fight against IS to Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu during a meeting at the Palace.
Aquino noted that Turkey “faces the difficult challenge of addressing the threat of ISIS in the embattled town of Kobane in Syria near the Turkish border.
“It is a threat that has brought great conflict to that nation and to many other nations beyond that vital region. The various pressures presented by extremism seek to test the resolve of Turkey,” the President said.
“Just as your people have partnered with us in advancing a just and lasting peace in Mindanao, allow me to say that it is my nation’s hope that we will be able to help Turkey as it confronts the persisting and emerging challenges of our time, such as the threat of ISIS. Rest assured, you will find a partner in the Filipino,” he added.
Aquino earlier created a technical working group to monitor and profile foreign fighters and terrorist groups.
Davutoglu, for his part, pledged his country’s full support behind the peace process, in particular the disarmament of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Davutoglu said he has directed senior Turkish diplomat Haydar Berk to focus on the disarmament process as chairman of the Independent Decommissioning Body.
“I have instructed him [Berk] to stay in the Philippines and if needed, don’t come back to Turkey until you finish this job,” the Turkish leader said, eliciting laughter from officials attending the luncheon.
Aquino and Davutoglu also witnessed the signing of an expanded air services agreement that will allow direct flights for the first time between the two countries. (Detailes C/O Joyce Panares)