Foreign Affairs Secretary Blas F. Ople today lauded the success of Thailand in arresting Asia's most-wanted terrorist suspect, Hambali, saying that his capture is a major blow to the Jema'ah Islamiyah terrorist network in Southeast Asia.

Hambali, whose real name is Riduan Isamuddin, was taken into custody in a combined operation involving U.S. intelligence agents and Thai police. He was arrested along with seven alleged accomplices in the Thai city of Ayutthaya on suspicion of plotting attacks on a gathering of world leaders in October in Bangkok, local Thai officials said Friday.

Hambali is a native of Indonesia and is suspected of masterminding the October 12, 2002, bombings on Bali, which left 202 people dead.

“The Philippines would like to laud and thank Thailand for this major breakthrough in the war against terrorism.  Thailand’s success is a significant step forward towards breaking the back of the Jema’ah Islamiyah terrorist network in our region,” Secretary Ople said.

“Hambali is the number 2 leader of Jema'ah Islamiyah and is a major suspect in terrorist attacks in our region, including the deadly bombing of a JW Marriot hotel in Jakarta August 5, which killed a dozen people, the Secretary said.

“He is also a suspect in terrorist bombings in the Philippines.  Pursuant to our existing anti-terrorism cooperation arrangements, we will be coordinating with all authorities concerned to ensure that Hambali is made to pay for his crimes,” the Secretary added.

On the issue of whether the Philippines will ask for Hambali to face criminal justice in the Philippines, the Secretary said “Hambali has been indicted in the December 2000 Light Rail Transit (LRT) bombing in Manila that killed 22 people. At the same time, he is facing other similar charges in other countries.  In matters like this, primary jurisdiction is often determined by who has actual possession of the suspect.  Of course we are interested in subjecting him to Philippine justice, but we will wait our turn, if necessary.”

The Secretary also clarified that Hambali could have valuable information. “At the same time, he is a key operator and is keenly familiar with the links between the Jema’ah Islamiya and Al-Qaeda. I hope that he will provide valuable information on the whereabouts of other top figures and reveal plans of past and future terrorist attacks,” the Secretary added.

The Secretary also said that the action of Thai authorities was particularly significant as Hambali was reported to have confessed that he and his accomplices were planning a terrorist attack on a meeting in Bangkok on October 21 of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, where President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and other world leaders would be attending.

“Although there is one less terrorist in the world today, thanks to Thailand, we should continue to remain vigilant in our war against terror,” the Secretary said.  He added that he is confident that escaped terrorist Fathur Rohman Alghozi will soon be rearrested by Philippine authorities. END.