Lorenzana debunks reports of growing IS presence in PHL

DEFENSE SECRETARY Delfin N. Lorenzana debunked recent reports that a hundred Islamic State members are now in the country with the number growing as the extremist group loses territories in Iraq and Syria following intensified operations by US-backed forces. “We don’t see those people there, not that much. Siguro merong kaunti du’n (Maybe there are a few)… Siguro up to 10,” Mr. Lorenzana told reporters at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Tuesday, March 19. He added that he does not believe that the number is increasing, although he acknowledged that these foreigners, particularly the Malaysians and Indonesians, could possibly move from one country to another. Mr. Lorenzana said cooperation with the governments of Malaysia and Indonesia are continuously being strengthened to ensure security in the region. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras