6 May 2004 – Foreign Affairs Secretary Delia Domingo Albert today congratulated police and military authorities led by Defense Secretary and Head of the Anti-Terrorism Task Force Eduardo Ermita for the arrest of the finance officer of the Jemaah Islamiyah.

“We have had many important victories in the war against terror, thanks to the untiring efforts of our police and military officials.  The latest arrest is a major blow to the ability of terrorists to fund their activities,” Secretary Albert said.  She added that an effective and important tactic in the war against terror is to hit at the finances of terrorist groups.

“These successes help to increase confidence in our country,” the Secretary said.

The Secretary said that reports that the Department was going to give a briefing to the diplomatic community because of “fears and threats” particularly related to the coming elections are inaccurate.

“We give regular briefings to the diplomatic community on Philippine policies and conditions.  This is the job of the Department of Foreign Affairs.  Reports that a specific briefing was being planned to allay supposed fears of diplomats over the situation in the Philippines, particularly related to the coming elections, are untrue,” Secretary Albert said.

“In fact, the Canadian Ambassador just called on me today and he added his voice to the many diplomats in Manila who have reiterated their confidence in our leadership, our country and our people,” the Secretary added.

“There will be no briefing to allay fears of diplomats for the coming elections.  In fact, our regular briefing is scheduled for after the elections.  There will be no briefing before the elections,” the Secretary explained. END.