JI also operating in Sulu

Indonesian-based Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorists are not only operating in Central Mindanao but also in the island province of Sulu, the military admitted yesterday.

But Lt. Col. Daniel Lucero, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said that most of these foreign terrorists, whose number had increased to more than 40, have already been identified by military authorities.

The presence of foreign terrorists in Sulu, according to Lucero, was likewise confirmed by captured Abu Sayyaf top-man, Ghalib Andang, alias Commander Robot.

The terrorists’ operations in Sulu further bolstered reports that the Abu Sayyaf bandits have direct linkage with Jemaah Islamiyah, an al-Qeada operating arm in the region.

"We have identified a number of JI members operating in Central Mindanao and Sulu. We have identified them as a result of our efforts to get a better picture of the JIs operations here in the country," Lucero said.

These revelations came following the holding of a two-day military command conference held at the main military headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo last week.

The military’s identification of these foreign terrorists and some of their local contacts, is being considered by the government as a major breakthrough in its fight against terrorism.

Lucero added that most of these foreign terrorists are operating Central Mindanao, while a handful, are now in Sulu aiding the Abu Sayyaf bandits still in the area.

Defense Secretary Eduardo Ermita, earlier claimed that at least 40 foreign terrorists are now holed up in Mt. Kararaw in Lanao del Sur.

The group along with that of Abu Sayyaf chieftain Khadaffy Janjalani, could not be easily dislodged as the area his thickly vegetated with not a single road network to speak of.

Last week, elements of the Army’s Special Forces, caught up with Janjalani’s group and Commander Insilon Hapilon in Carmen, North Cotabato but failed to capture the two elusive local terrorist leaders. — Jaime Laude