Tuesday, August 28, 2007 Terror groups mull bombings in metro: police
EASTERN Police District (EPD) director Luizo Ticman has directed the Marikina, Pasig, San Juan and Mandaluyong police stations to be vigilant against possible attacks by Southeast Asian regional terrorist network in their areas of responsibility.
Superintendent Cornelio Barrios, chief of the EPD's intelligence division, issued a memorandum last August 24 to the chiefs of police of the four cities "by the direction" of Ticman.
"Please be informed that according to some intelligence reports, prominent malls and gasoline stations in Metro Manila will be the next target of JI/RSM (Jemaah Islamiyah/Rajah Solaiman Movement)," Barrios said in the memorandum.
The police official said among the establishments allegedly targeted by the JI and the RSM are SM North Edsa in Quezon City, Metro Market Market in Taguig City, and SM Makati in Makati City.
"In addition, said group (of JI and RSM) is using a safe house somewhere in Quezon City, Taguig and Makati City. In this regard, you are directed to validate said information and submit reports to this office," Barrios said.
"On top of this, tighten your security measures in all vital installations and other probable terrorist targets in your AOR (area of responsibility)," he also said.
Security officials earlier warned of attacks that may be waged by Abu Sayyaf sympathizers, which is the subject of a renewed offensive by government troops in the island provinces of Basilan and Sulu.
An improvised explosive device exploded at the Pershing Plaza in Zamboanga City last week, resulting in the wounding of 14 civilians. Investigators said the bombing was part of sympathy attacks.
The JI and the RSM have linkages with the Abu Sayyaf. The three groups have jointly launched attacks in the past, including the 2005 Valentine's Day bombings in the cities of Makati, Davao and General Santos cities that left several people dead.
The attacks were perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf and RSM elements and were funded by the JI. Reports had it that there are 30 to 40 JI members operating in the country, led by Dulmatin and Omar Patek who are with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
The three groups are also being blamed for the bombing of a passenger ship off Manila Bay in 2004 that left 200 people dead. (VR/Sunnex)
