Phl checks possibility of aid to local rebels by SE terrorist group

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The military is checking whether a Southeast Asian regional terrorist network is providing financial support to the country's renegade rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Figthers (BIFF), the military said today.

"We are still checking it and confirming it, though their alliance had been already established," said Dickson Hermoso, the spokesman for the Army's 6th Infantry Division.

The BIFF is a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest anti-government Muslim group in the Philippines.

Hermoso said they are coordinating with concerned agencies in determining if the BIFF is indeed receiving financial support from JI, which has dozens of operatives operating in the Philippines.

JI is known to have links with the local terrorist Abu Sayyaf group, which is notorious for  kidnapping and bombing activities in southern Philippines. JI is reportedly providing financial and training support to the Abu Sayyaf.

"It's possible because they have an alliance," said Hermoso when asked on the likelihood that JI is helping BIFF on its financial needs.

According to recent military estimates, BFII has about 300 to 500 members and operates mainly in central Mindanao with extortion as its main funding source.