Former President of the Philippines Fidel Ramos (Photo : ChinaFotoPress | Getty Images )
Following the ISIS attacks in Paris, leaders are encouraging the Philippines to heighten its security in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit.
Speaking to ABS-CBN, professor Rommel Banloi shared that the police must be wary of the threats coming from the terrorist organization. Although they believe that there is no "credible threat" as of the moment, Banloi said that they should not act complacent.
The analyst also pointed out that the Philippines should keep a close eye on the Abu Sayyaf Group, as well as the self-proclaimed ISIS followers.
"The Abu Sayyaf Group are displaying the black flag of ISIS, so they are bandwagoning on the popularity," he said.
Banloi added that the ISIS may take advantage of the Philippines' vulnerability by imposing its radical ideas on the citizens. He pointed out that the group has become "very aggressive" in recruiting followers from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. He explained that they did not need to send "actual organizers" to the Philippines but they can instruct their new recruits from the Internet.
Former Philippine president Fidel Ramos also echoed Banloi's statement.
In a recent interview with DZMM, via Manila Bulletin, he encouraged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to closely monitor the Abu Sayyaf. He said that
Ramos pointed out that although ISIS may appear like the bigger threat, they should not belittle the al Qaeda-linked group's capabilities. He added that the Abu Sayyaf staged a deadly terror attack in Manila back in 2011.
