Thursday, May 24, 2007 US most wanted hiding in Liguasan Marsh: AFP
* Benhir Abdul Maruwan, alias Kumander Maruwan, reportedly being protected by armed members of MILF lost command
AUTHORITIES confirmed that the most wanted terrorist in the United States is hiding in Central Mindanao.
The Army's 6th Infantry Division spokesman, Colonel Julieto Ando, said residents saw Benhir Abdul Maruwan, alias Kumander Maruwan, hiding inside Liguasan Marsh in North Cotabato and Maguindanao.
Ando said Maruwan is protected by the armed members of the lost command unit of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Maruwan reportedly maintains a direct communication with Kumander Basit Usman and two other Indonesian terrorists Omar Patek and Dulmatin, who is reportedly behind the bombing of Bali, Indonesia on 2002.
Maruwan is also believed to be behind the bombing of Tacurong and Cotabato cities that caused the deaths of several innocent lives.
The military and police also confirmed reports that the international terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah has recruited two female locals who recently completed their training inside Camp Cararaw Complex and Liguasan Marsh.
It was learned that among the test mission of the two recruits is to plant bombs in different areas in Mindanao to humiliate foreign observers now in the area.
Authorities have tightened its security measures following reports that the group is also targeting to abduct foreign observers. (Garry Fuerzas)
