New leader rises for Mindanao terroristsBy ASSOCIATED PRESShome/News/Top Stories/New leader rises for Mindanao terroristsUnlike many of his slain comrades, the touted new leader of the Islamic State group in the southern Philippines lacks the bravado, clan name or foreign training. Among those killed was Isnilon Hapilon, a fierce Abu Sayyaf leader, who was the first IS-designated leader in the Philippines. That’s the role of Sawadjaan,” Año told The Associated Press in an interview. They joined the Abu Sayyaf, which had just been organized by a Libyan-educated local militant, said MNLF leader Yusop Jikiri. A video obtained by police officials showed al-Maghribi in Sawadjaan’s camp last year before the foreign terrorist reportedly carried out the suicide attack in Basilan.

Source: Manila Times February 23, 2019 17:26 UTC