PNP thwarts plans to bomb NCR shopping malls and food terminals
Tacloban City (August 8) -- The Philippine National Police has added another gain in its fight against criminality and terrorism as it foiled plans to bomb shopping malls and food terminals in the National Capital Region following the arrest of one of the would-be bombers.
The suspect was identified to be a Filipino operative of the Southeast Asian regional terrorist network Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) who was arrested by the Southern Police District operatives after a brief chase in SM Bicutan Mall at 3:00 o'clock in the afternoon of August 3.
Recovered from the possession of the suspect identified as Kaharudin Usman, alias Kasalud, at the time of his arrest materials for bomb making, including electric wires and explosive materials.
Follow-up operations conducted at Usman's residence in Maharlika village in Taguig City on Saturday resulted in the seizure of an improvised explosive device made from a 60 mm mortar with C-4 explosives, three batteries, three electric squib/bulb, assorted leg wires, one electric relay, one electric tester approximately six inches of red commercial detonating cords and a washing machine mechanical timer.
The explosive has complete components but still unarmed when it was recovered. This type of explosive is powerful and could cause much damage, the police said, confirming that Usman, who has admitted involvement in the planned bombing of SM Shopping malls and food terminals in Metro Manila, is taking orders from JI leaders in the country.
Text messages from the suspect's cellphone coming from JI operative Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Marwan; and Basit Usman, who is said to be a leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front-Urban Bombing Squad.
The text message of Basit Usman directed the arrested suspect to rush up with the planning stage. "Hurry up with our plans there, lets include Manila, Davao and General Santos," read the text message which was received 9:08 p.m. of Friday.
Police said Usman would be initially charge with possession of explosives but it is already studying if he can be charged with terrorism under the anti-terror law.
What is sure at the moment, is that the men and women of the Philippine National Police, true to their mission, shall continue to enforce the law, to prevent and control crimes, to maintain peace and order and to ensure public safety and internal security with the active support of the community. (PIA 8) [top]
