The Philippine National Police (PNP) assured that the country’s security forces will “not allow” a spillover of the Afghan conflict.
In a statement on Thursday (Aug. 19), PNP Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar guaranteed that the situation in Mindanao is under control by the police and military following the statement of an analyst on the possible effect of the Taliban holding the power in Afghanistan on the global counter-terrorism.
“I assure the public that the police and military will not allow a spillover of the Afghan conflict,” Eleazar said.
Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence, and Terrorism Research Chief Prof. Rommel Banlaoi said that the success of the Taliban in Afghanistan can cause a spillover in Mindanao.
He explained that aside from the several groups considering Afghanistan as a safe haven, the Taliban engaged with Saypula, the Indonesian terrorist that was the financier of Isnilon Hapilon, the leader of the group that attacked Marawi in 2017.
“Armed groups in the Philippines is evolving very rapidly. And in my prognosis of the situation, some might continue to ally themselves with the Islamic State, some might remain their alliance with Al Qaeda group,” Banlaoi said.
He urged the government to closely monitor the actions of the Taliban on the various terrorist groups.
Meanwhile, Department of Justice (DOJ) Sec. Menardo Guevarra asserted that there are safeguards to ensure that the national security of the country will not be at stake following the statement of Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a public briefing that the country is willing to welcome asylum seekers.
“If Afghan nationals do arrive in the Philippines and apply for permanent status as refugees, the DOJ refugees and stateless persons unit (RSPPU) will evaluate whether they meet the international standards for refugee status,” Guevarra said.
Report from Bea Bernardo/NGS- bny
