An independent monitor has warned that violent extremism remains a serious threat in the Philippines despite military operations weakening ISIS-linked groups. The alert follows investigations into a December mass shooting in Sydney by gunmen who had visited southern Mindanao. The watchdog cites rising youth recruitment and increased clashes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
On December 18, the Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) issued a warning about the ongoing activities of the ISIS-inspired Dawlah Islamiya in the Philippines. The group described it as 'down but not out,' pointing to rising youth recruitment, family defections, and heightened clashes in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) after the May midterm elections.
The alert came after a mass shooting on December 14 at Bondi Beach in Sydney, which killed more than a dozen civilians, including children, on the first day of Hanukkah. Australian and Philippine authorities confirmed that the gunmen, Sajid Akram and his son Naveed, were in Davao City from November 1 to 28. They stayed at the GV Hotel on Magallanes Street, spending most time in their room, according to a December 17 MindaNews report.
The Philippines has denied being a training ground for extremists, stating no evidence ties the suspects to local groups. Still, the CCAA called for a thorough probe. 'Other explanations for the incident must be considered and explored – emphasizing the need to further investigate the nature of their activities in the country during that period,' the CCAA said.
Recently, two extremist leaders were killed: Mohammad Usman Solaiman, a bomb expert with the Dawlah Islamiya-Hassan Group, on December 7 in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur; and Najib Laguindab, alias Abu Jihad, of the Dawlah Islamiya-Maute Group, in mid-November in Pagayawan, Lanao del Sur. These are linked to attacks like the 2023 bombing at Mindanao State University.
The CCAA emphasized that vigilance must not wane, especially in areas like Basilan showing reemerging threats. They urged a shift toward reintegration for former combatants using restorative justice, beyond just counter-terrorism efforts. 'Premature conclusions and speculations that lack evidence risk fueling religious- and identity-based conflict,' they added.
Meanwhile, the Asia-Pacific Human Rights Network (APHRN) condemned the attack and called for unity against racism and anti-Semitism, highlighting the heroism of Muslim Ahmed al-Ahmed who saved victims.