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Monday, January 26, 2004
Intel agents verifying JI presence in Manila
By Miko Santos
MANILA -- Intelligence agents are validating reports that some members of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terror group are now in Metro Manila and operating within the metropolis.
National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) chief Victor Mayo, however, said that despite the latest report, intelligence authorities are confident that the bulk of JI operatives, who trained in Mindanao, have already left the country.
"May mga (We have) information dyan (about that). Naka-text pa nga yung iba, na (We received text messages saying) the JI is operating in Metro Manila and this was received by our intelligence units for verification. At this time, our source cannot yet confirm their presence in Metro Manila," Mayo said.
Intelligence reports had earlier said the graduates finished their training last January 15 in Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camps in the Lanao provinces and in Maguindanao in central Mindanao.
Authorities believe that with the arrest of the JI financier in the country, Taufek Refke, and the killing of bomb expert Fathur Rohman al-Ghozi both in October last year, the JI's "training staff" has already been dismantled.
The intelligence community has also received reports the MILF, accused of harboring JI elements, has begun distancing itself from the Indonesian militant group in the light of upcoming peace talks and the secessionist group.
"So the JI [members] here are being isolated and they do not have protection. That is why a lot of them have gone, so Al-Ghozi was killed, Refke was arrested. The situation here is not favorable to them anymore," Mayo said.
The military is scouring Mindanao for at least 30 JI members who are reportedly conducting explosives training with MILF "lost commands", which have broken ties with the rebel group, which is preparing for talks with Manila.
(January 26, 2004 issue)
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