Violence in Mindanao is no longer a rebellion but a conflict that “transmogrified into an invasion by foreign terrorists who heeded the clarion call of the ISIS to go to the Philippines,” Solicitor General Jose Calida said in justifying the declaration of martial law in the south. Military offensive continues in Marawi City as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that there were terrorists from Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore fighting alongside the Maute group. READ: Foreign terrorists killed in Marawi fighting—militaryADVERTISEMENTCalida said security and intelligence units of the government hadmonitored ISIS “literature and publications” in Mindanao. People considered by terrorists as “infidels,” whether Christians or Muslims, were also targets of opportunity, whether found in Marawi, Cagayan de Oro, Davao, Zamboanga, Cebu, Manila, and other cities. Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 26, 2017 08:03 UTC