President Benigno S. Aquino III denied that Islamic State-linked militants are operating in the southern Philippines, describing armed groups in the area as mercenaries who are looking to raise funds from abroad.
A handful of small but violent Islamist militant groups in the south have posted videos in social media pledging alliance to Islamic State militants in Iraq and Syria and displaying the trademark black flag.
Last month, the army and air force fought a small Muslim rebel group, which claimed to have links with Islamic State militants, in Lanao Del Sur province. About 40 rebels and five soldiers died in the nine-day battle.
On Monday, Ebrahim Murad, head of the main Muslim rebel group talking peace with government, warned that Islamic State was trying to gain a foothold in the Philippines by taking advantage of the non-passage of a new Muslim Autonomy Law.
The government’s chief peace adviser, Teresita Deles, shared the Muslim rebel leader’s opinion about possible penetration of Islamic State militants in the south.
Security forces say there is no evidence to show local rebel groups have links with Middle East-based extremists.