The Islamic State or ISIS is planning more attacks in the Philippines and nearby regions, a terror expert said Monday, May 8.
“During Ramadan, ISIS is planning to hit Manila and other capitals in the region,” said Rohan Gunaratna, head of the International Centre for Political Violence & Terrorism Research in Singapore, in a text message to Rappler.
Earlier, the terror group also claimed responsibility over the twin explosions in Quiapo, Manila last Saturday, May 6.
The government has since denied their claim and said it is just the custom of the group to take credit for bombings.
Gunaratna, however, said ISIS tells the truth. “These are targeted and probing attacks testing the environment for more attacks,” he said.
But he also expressed his confidence in the Philippine government, saying that the police under President Rodrigo Duterte has the capacity to fight these kind of threats.
Ramadan is the holy month of fasting observed by Muslims. This year, it will begin on the last weekend of May.
Photo credit: philstar.com
