Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Manila (Fides Service) - Six members of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group were committed for trial in the Philippines for the 27 February attack on Superferry 14, in which more than 100 were killed. Announcing the indictment, the President of the Philippines Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the six men were all members of the Abu Sayyaf, Islamic fundamentalist group which operates in the Southern Philippines.
In the meantime the Philippines army announced the capture of Imam Abraham Jumdaini the “spiritual adviser” of the group said to be connected with Al Qaeda and two other members of the organisation. The police said Abraham Jumdaini was arrested on 21 September in Jolo island south of Mindanao. Police also said that former members of Abu Sayyaf confirmed that Jumdaini was recruited because of his religious influence. The Imam is suspected of taking part in the kidnapping for ransom of a group of Filipinos and 21 western tourists and Asian travellers in 2000 at Sidapan tourist village in Malaysia.
Meanwhile the new scenario with the re-election of Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, permits a certain degree of continuity in men and ideas in relations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). After the cease fire agreement signed between the MILF and the government in July 2003 talks between the two sides are expected to resume in a few weeks time. Malaysian observers have already arrived in the Southern Philippines to prepare for the negotiations.
Recently MILF said is was ready to collaborate with the new head of state, whoever the new President would be and that it was anxious to rid the southern Philippines of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), Islamic fundamentalist group of Indonesian origin which some observers say is connected with Al-Qaeda. In the past security forces said the MILF had supplied logistic support and military training for JI members in Mindanao. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 13/10/2004 righe 31 parole 326)See more info:
