We need the facts and numbers of IS presence in the country

THERE is urgent need for unsparing fact-checking and accelerated regional cooperation to address the reported presence of IS fighters in the Philippines and other countries of Southeast Asia.

We take note of the issue because it was raised at the Asia Security Summit in Singapore (the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2017) over the weekend. And it was raised in a way that was both very damaging and alarming for the Philippines.