‘Terrorists’ moves now constricted’

Following its admission that at least 40 suspected Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorists are still operating in the country, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said it has contained the movements of these terrorists.

PNP Directorate for Intelligence chief Director Robert Delfin said the intensified intelligence buildup and targeting operations undertaken by the police and military have made it highly difficult for JI operatives to move around in the Philippines.

"There is still a threat, but (the terrorists) cannot move because they know we will catch them," Delfin said in Tagalog as he assured the public that the authorities are doing their best to neutralize the JI operatives.

PNP chief Director Arturo Lomibao, during a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club in Makati City last Wednesday, revealed that at least 40 suspected foreign terrorists are still in the country, particularly in Mindanao.

"Terrorist threats remain because there are at least 40 suspected foreign terrorists in the country," he said.

Lomibao’s admission came after a published report that the JI, despite its failure to carry out threatened Holy Week bombings, is still plotting to launch major attacks in the region.

The Holy Week bombing plot was uncovered and thwarted following the arrest of Rohmat, a 25-year-old Indonesian whom authorities said is a ranking JI member operating in Mindanao.

When interrogated, Rohmat, alias Zaki, said the Abu Sayyaf bandit group and renegade members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were tasked to carry out the attacks.

He also admitted there are still about 33 JI members who remained in the country after completing terrorist training in Lanao del Sur.

He said the training was supervised by one Abu Usman, a deputy of Quod Amir, alias Daud who heads the Wakalah Hudeibiyah group.

Rohmat’s arrest also led military and police authorities to an apartment believed to be the terrorists’ safe house along Lilac street in Fairview, Quezon City on March 23. Police seized 11 sacks of explosives allegedly intended to be used in Holy Week bombings.