Jakarta tightens security in RP embassy

JAKARTA (via PLDT) — The Philippine Embassy here has been placed under "special security" by Indonesian authorities following the August 2000 bomb attack that almost killed former Ambassador Leonides Caday.

Even before the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the US, the Philippines had been included among potential targets of extremists here.

Authorities here said they are still puzzled as to why terrorists would include the Philippine mission among their targets.

Following the successive arrests of Indonesian-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) militants across the region, security forces said most of those who were captured had denied participation in or knowledge of the bombing and assassination attempt against Caday.

The JI has been blamed for the attack against Caday, two years before terrorists bombed a resort in Bali that left over 200 people, mostly foreigners, killed or wounded.

Intelligence officials in the Southeast Asian region said the JI has been using the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Southern Philippines to train extremists.

The MILF, now in negotiations for peace with the Philippine government, has repeatedly denied the accusations.

Indonesian security forces, on the other hand, are keeping a constant watch on the Philippine mission here.

The tight security at the embassy was implemented as President Arroyo arrived here yesterday to attend the Asian-African summit.

Philippine defense attaché Col. Nonato Alfredo Peralta Jr. said policemen are being constantly detailed at the embassy along with the usual armed guards deployed by the Philippine government. "It is only in our embassy that police officers are assigned," Peralta said.

He said the deployment of police officers in the mission is part of the Indonesian government’s efforts to secure the Philippine diplomatic territory.

Peralta also disclosed the "overwhelming" security preparations implemented by Indonesia for the summit on the possibility of an attack from Muslim extremists and the JI.

Peralta, however, dismissed any "evident and direct" threat against the delegates of the summit. He said Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudyohono personally supervised the security arrangements for the summit along with preemptive measures.

"There is no clear and present danger, if that is what you mean," he told reporters.

Peralta said authorities are expecting demonstrations and protest rallies during the summit.