RAUB: The Islamic State militant group has shifted the recruitment of new members to southern Philippines following strict control on travel to Syria by various countries. Counter Terrorism Division principal assistant director Datuk Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay (pic) said the new group of recruits were under the command of Abu Sayyaf senior leader, Isnilon Totoni Hapilon or Abu Abdullah al-Filipini. "The threat has become more serious because formerly, it was focused on Iraq and Syria, and now it has shifted to southern Philippines. Police would improve its intelligence gathering, operations and enforcement and expect more terrorist-related arrests this year. Ayob Khan said the number of arrests of those involved in terrorism was also on the rise for the past four years.

Source: The Star January 19, 2017 15:17 UTC