MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday vowed to crush Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the Philippines, following a spate of terror attacks in France, Germany, and the US.

In his first State of the Nation Address, Duterte said he will address Abu Sayyaf's criminal activities using the full force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

''Since our country continues to be confronted with internal security threats, aggravated by the existence and activities of terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, the full force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines will be applied to crush these criminals who operate under the guise of religious fervor,'' he said.

KIDNAPPING AT SEA

Duterte also vowed to address growing concerns from neighbors Malaysia and Indonesia regarding Abu Sayyaf's kidnap-for-ransom activities.

''We will strengthen our counter-terrorism programs by amending various laws on human terrorism, terrorism financing and cybercrime,'' he said.

Recently, at least 5 Malaysian crewmen were believed to have been kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf in the waters off Sabah.

'GO TO THE PHILIPPINES'

Southeast Asian militants who claim to be fighting for an Islamic State in the Middle East earlier said they have chosen one of the most wanted men in the Philippines to head a regional faction of the ultra-radical group.

The video is significant, experts say, because it shows that Islamic State supporters are now being asked to stay home and unify under one umbrella group to launch attacks in Southeast Asia, instead of being drawn to the fight in the Middle East.

In the video, a man authorities in Malaysia have identified as Mohd Rafi Udin, a Malaysian militant currently in Syria, says in Malay: "If you cannot go to (Syria), join up and go to the Philippines."

In the video, Udin also urges Muslims to unite under the leadership of Abu Abdullah, a Philippine militant leader who pledged allegiance to Islamic State in January.

Abu Abdullah, also known as Isnilon Hapilon, is a leader of the Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf. He is on the FBI's most wanted list for his role in the kidnapping of 17 Filipinos and three Americans in 2001 and carries a bounty of $5 million.

The video was released to mark Islamic State's acceptance of allegiances from jihadists in the Philippines, the first formal recognition of a Southeast Asian group, said Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, chief of Malaysia's police counter-terrorism unit. - with Reuters