Local Editor

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned Saturday Abu Sayyaf militants were hungry to establish a so-called caliphate, as he toughens his stance on the kidnap-for-ransom group accused of a deadly bombing in his home city this month.

The fiery leader, who has threatened to eat the militants alive in a bloodthirsty vow of revenge for the attack in Davao that killed 15 people, said the group was no longer just after money from criminal activities.

Several units of the Abu Sayyaf in the strife-torn southern Philippines have pledged allegiance to Daesh [Arabic Acronym for the terrorist "ISIS"/ "ISIL" group] but analysts have said they are more interested in funding than ideology.

"They are hungry for a fight to establish a caliphate in Southeast Asia. Caliphate is a kingdom for the Muslims," Duterte said in a speech to soldiers.

He further said: "The problem is that they do not talk on the basis of what school you can give them," referring to previous local services the militants have asked for.
"It's either the caliphate or nothing."

The Philippine defense department has said there were no formal links between the group and Daesh.

"They are 'ISIS' inspired and not actually 'ISIS' supported. They are just 'ISIS' wannabes," defense department spokesman Arsenio Andolong said.

Last month, he launched an offensive against the militants, ordering the military to "destroy" them.

He sent thousands of troops to Abu Sayyaf strongholds in the southern islands of Jolo and Basilan in an assault that had killed 15 soldiers and 32 militants according to the military.

The Abu Sayyaf is blamed for the nation's worst terror attacks and has beheaded foreigners, including two Canadians in April and June after ransom deadlines lapsed.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team