Tuesday, February 26, 2008 JI suspect passed by City: TFD By Carlo P. Mallo
THE man alleged to be a local leader of the terror group Jemaah Islamiya, who was arrested in Davao Oriental recently, was said to have entered the Philippines through the Sulu archipelago and then proceeded to Davao Oriental through Davao City with the intend of sowing terror on the Davao Regional Athletic Association (Davraa) meet.
"The city is very porous," City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte admitted. "And we cannot simply close Davao City from the neighboring provinces."
Mohamad Baehaqi, the suspected local leader of the international terror group Jemaah Islamiyah, was said to have passed through Davao City on his way to the town of Baganga, Davao Oriental. He was arrested in Baganga last February 17 with two locals.
Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the entry and exit of suspected terrorists in the city could not be averted.
"Some of the components that he used in the improvised explosive device were bought in hardware stores in Tagum," Colonel Luga said.
Luga called on the people not to harbor terrorists and to report them to the authorities immediately.
"These people (the terrorists) do not target particular persons, anyone can be their target, it might be your relative or loved ones," Luga said.
Duterte seconded Luga's statement, saying, "Do not provide sanctuary, madadamay kayo."
