WON: ISIS

Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, ISIS, is an Islamic extremist rebel group controlling territory in Iraq and Syria[1] which is a self-proclaimed worldwide caliphate[2], however, was rejected by the Muslim leaders and scholars, calling them (ISIS) ‘void’ and ‘deviant’[3]. ISIS originated from the conflicts between different rebel groups in Iraq and Syria, where several members claim leadership after the death of Osama bin Laden.[4] Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi took over the leadership over ISIS, after the death of its founder Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, due to US attacks.[5] Zarqawi is known for his brutal approach, which seems to have been continued by his successor, Baghdadi.[6]

ISIS has yet to infiltrate Philippines, as confirmed by United Nations in their official statement.[7] However, there are a number of Muslim extremist group in the Philippines which might be influenced to pledge their allegiance to ISIS: Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Rajah Solaiman Movement, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), and Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao.[8] Especially now, after the recent incident which killed 44 SAF for Operation Marwan, where the involved rebel group BIFF might seek assistance from ISIS to fight against the government.

Regarding the Marwan operation, we can see that the government is active on fighting against terrorism. However, we do not really know the real reason behind it, other than keeping the peace and order. But the ISIS group might look at it as an assistance to United States against terrorism, which might get us (Filipinos) involved and become a new target for ISIS rebels. Nevertheless, the government should stand firm in protecting the Filipinos from rebel attacks, and their decisions free from influence from other states.

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[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Islamic_State_of_Iraq_and_the_Levant

[2] Caliphate - is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, a person considered a political and religious successor to the prophet Muhammad and a leader of the entire Muslim community. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caliphate

[3] http://www.aljazeera.com/news/middleeast/2014/07/muslim-leaders-reject-baghdadi-caliphate-20147744058773906.html

[4] http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/middleeast/iraq/10892898/Iraq-crisis-Q-and-A-Who-or-what-is-ISIS-Is-it-part-of-al-Qaeda.html

[5] Ibid.

[6] Ibid.

[7] http://www.rappler.com/nation/78030-united-nations-officials-no-evidence-isis-philippines

[8] Ibid.