Security tightened in Davao after JI leader arrest

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Police have tightened security in Davao City following the arrest Sunday of Jemaah Islamiyah leader Mohammad Baehaqi in Barangay Piso in Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

“We have not let our guard down,” said Davao Region police commander Chief Superintendent Andres Caro II.

“We have actually been strengthening our security measures in various parts of the region, especially in urban areas.”

Caro said Davao City police and the Army-led Task Force Davao have secured the usual terrorist targets like markets, shopping centers, schools, churches, passenger bus terminals, airports, seaports and other public places.

“We are doing our best to keep these terrorists out, not only outy of Davao City, but also in other areas in the region as well,” he said.

Caro said police bomb squads have been formed in the different provincial police stations to respond to terrorist attacks.

Government intelligence networks have been tracking down the movement of suspected terrorists in Mindanao, he added.

When he was arrested, Baehaqi was reportedly planning to attack key points in Davao City, Tagum City and the island garden city of Samal.

“As it turned out in the investigation, he was planning to bomb certain parts of Samal island,” a reliable source told The STAR.

“We just do not know exactly which part. It could be one of the numerous resorts in the island where there are foreigners.” 

The source said Baehaqi could also be eyeing the ferry boat that carries hundreds of passengers daily between Samal island and mainland Davao City.

“It was good that he was immediately captured and it put a stop to his plans,” the source said.

Baehaqi, 26, who is believed to be an Indonesian, was arrested Sunday morning in Barangay Piso, Banaybanay town in Davao Oriental by military intelligence agents.

Meanwhile, Cabiza Generoso and Mohar Abais Generoso, the alleged local contacts of Baehaqi, were charged with illegal possession of firearms and explosives before the Davao City Prosecutors Office after they failed to show proper documents for a shotgun and three rounds of ammunition.– Edith Regalado