Vice President Noli De Castro yesterday directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to verify reports that suspected Bali bomber Dulmatin has been wounded in a military raid in Mindanao recently.
De Castro issued the order in his capacity as caretaker of the government while President Arroyo is abroad.
Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, vice chairman of the caretaker committee, said De Castro has directed the AFP to verify reports that Dulmatin is on the run but wounded, and if so, to intensify operations for his capture while he is vulnerable.
Dulmatin was reported by the AFP as having been shot in an encounter last week at Mount Dajo, Talipao in Jolo, Sulu.
Dulmatin is wanted by many Western countries for allegedly masterminding the bombings in Bali, Indonesia in 2002 which killed hundreds of tourists.
Ermita said the capture or killing of Dulmatin by Philippine authorities would cap the government’s string of successes against local terrorist group Abu Sayyaf, and leave no doubt on the country’s resolve in the United States–led war against terrorism.
Mrs. Arroyo earlier received congratulations from US President George W. Bush for the recent killing of Abu Sayyaf leader Khadaffy Janjalani and his deputy Abu Solaiman which has left the local terrorist group leaderless. (David Cagahastian)
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