ZAMBOANGA CITY: Gen. Hernando Iriberri, chief of staff of the armed forces of the Philippines, said the government forces will disrupt any emerging militant groups establishing a local base for Daesh, Philstar reported.

Iriberri, who has been assessing the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf militant group, reacted to the report that several terrorist groups are allegedly training to build the Daesh network in southern Philippines.

He said that even before the video footage showing fighters in training while hoisting the black flag came out, the army has already initiated operations that led to the neutralization of terror leaders and members.

“We have been always tried our best to neutralize the group,” he said.

The army, upon the discovery of Ansar Al-Khalifa (AKP), a notorious armed band linked to the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, carefully planned the attack against the group, said Iriberri. Marines in Sultan Kudarat neutralized eight of its members last year.

The general also mentioned about the operations conducted against the faction of Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and Malaysian bomb expert Mohammad Najib Hussein alias “Abu Anas” in Al-Barka town, Basilan.

Anas, together with 25 Abu Sayyaf bandits were killed, after a week-long offensive which began on Dec. 12, 2015. Troops were successful in disrupting the training and seizing the rebel training camp at Sitio Bohe Buug.

“Our armed forces are trying their best. Every time we have the information, we validate it and we take action just to make sure we will prevent whatever terror acts they are planning to do,” Iriberi said.

The army chief appealed to the public to take extra vigilance and help the security forces to prevent terror acts.

Despite the operations, Iriberri maintained that the army has not yet gathered direct evidence that would prove the two militant groups are members of Daesh.