AN alleged attempt to bomb SM malls in Metro Manila by the Jema’ah Islamiyah (JI) was foiled over the weekend following the arrest of one of its members.

Intelligence agents from the Armed Forces, the Southern Police District, National Capital Regional Police Office and Taguig police station arrested Kaharudin Usman Talib, alias Kasalud, at the vicinity of SM Bicutan at about 3 p.m. on Friday.

The government agents seized bomb-making materials from Usman.

Authorities said that they also recovered from his house at the Maharlika Village in Taguig City in a follow-up operation on Saturday an improvised bomb made up of a 60-mm mortar that was filled with Composition-4 plastic explosive.

The search also yielded three 9-volt batteries, three improvised electric bulbs, assorted leg wires, an electronic relay, an electronic tester and a washing machine mechanical timer.

Talib, who is also known as Karudin Abdul and Kaharudin Usman Motalib, upon interrogation revealed his group’s plan to bomb the SM mall and the Food Terminal Inc., also in Taguig City.

Military intelligence agents said that on order of JI leader Zulkipli Bin Hir, Malaysian Basit Usman sent to Metro Manila two weeks ago a joint JI-Moro Islamic Liberation Front special operations group to conduct bombings.

They said that the team included Talib, a certain Saad or Sadi, two others identified only as Max and Tolang, and several others.

The agents further added that Talib was to supervise the group while Saad or Sadi, who is an Indonesian, was tasked with making the bombs.

A text message found in the cellular phone of Talib and which came from Usman revealed that it is not only Metro Manila, but also Davao and General Santos, that are targetted by the group.

PRESIDENT Arroyo on Monday warned terrorists that they face annihilation if they hurt any members of a medical team she had dispatched to Basilan to treat wounded soldiers and conduct free clinics for residents.

AN alleged attempt to bomb SM malls in Metro Manila by the Jema’ah Islamiyah (JI) was foiled over the weekend following the arrest of one of its members.

PASIG Mayor Robert Eusebio on Monday urged the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to seek legal remedies to stop the drastic increase in garbage dumping fees imposed by the Rodriguez, Rizal, local government for the use of the sanitary landfill in that place.

A MILITANT legislator wants Energy Secretary Angelo Reyes investigated over the US$1.3-million alleged “midnight deal” he signed before leaving the Department of Environment and Natural Resources last week, an act the congressman said is another case of corruption involving a high-profile government official.

Oillink International Corp.’s depot in Mariveles, Bataan, would have to remain closed after the Bureau of Customs (BOC) scored a preliminary victory following the Court of Tax Appeals’ (CTA) lifting of the temporary restraining order (TRO) that it earlier issued to the petroleum company.

THE government could lose control over the proceeds and development of the oil and gas prospects along the Reed Bank, should it proceed to explore and develop the block with its tripartite partners China and Vietnam instead of allowing a British-based petroleum player to proceed with its work in the area.