http://www.eurasiareview.com/1007201...link-analysis/

A New ‘Caliphate’ In Middle East: Is There An Abu Sayyaf-ISIS Link? – Analysis

A video of a purported member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) pledging support to the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) surfaced recently. With an apparent spike in ASG-related activities, this is interpreted as evidence of convergence between the groups. However, the localised factors that motivate ASG factions should not be ignored.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xCOA97_o1nU

I agree with their analytical conclusion for ASG. They're little more than thugs masquerading as jihadists.

The ASG remains a localised movement. Its subscription to the jihadist narrative is passive and superficial. It has yet to make its mark in the online world and would unlikely do so in the near future. Thus, state responses should always be aware of and be cautious of quickly ascribing ideological motivations to what essentially are socio-economic issues. The Philippines’s social and economic milieu creates distinct dynamics that may be wholly different even from close neighbours like Indonesia or Malaysia.
On the other hand, the ASG isn't representative of the larger Muslim community in the Philippines. The potential for recruitment certainly exists, as already demonstrated in Indonesia.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/20...danao-possible

MNLF official: ISIS recruitment in Mindanao possible

MILF said the threat is not in the two groups joining the ISIS because their number is “too tiny to be felt and make a difference.”

“The ISIS is overflowing with volunteers from all over the world, including those from the United States, United Kingdom, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia,” it said.

“The threat really comes from the extremism espoused by the ISIS. Ideas are contagious and infectious. Wild ideas are attractive to those who want adventures and pre-occupied with hatred and revenge.”
MILF leaders went on to say that the Gov of the Philippines needs to deal with ASG and BIFF to avoid the potential of these groups joining ISIS. True, and since both of these groups are criminal-terrorists in character it would be better for the region, and for MILF it would help clear a path to consolidating political power in Mindanao. A potential win-win for most.

http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/intern...ria-for-israel

On a side note Philippine peace keeping forces, unintentionally on their part, are now in a fire fight was al-Nusra rebels in the Golan Heights. The good news is they refused to lay down their arms and opted to defend their positions as authorized in their mandate. I believe some have now withdrawn into Syria, since peacekeeping is apparently out the window now since Syria no longer effectively controls that region. Is al-Qaeda preparing to attack Israel to gain more support from the broader Muslim community?