Military rejects claims of ‘massive’ recruitment of extremist groups in Mindanao

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) rejected claims that there was an ongoing "massive, discreet, and decisive" recruitment of extremist groups in Mindanao months after the Marawi City siege ended.

In a statement, Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman, said that the military was not surprised to hear reports of recruitment but denied that it was "massive" enough for them not to be alerted.