PROSECUTORS of the Department of Justice on
Thursday conducted inquest proceedings on Mohammad Rafiqullah,
alias Muhammad Alpariz, the Bangladeshi suspected of being a
member of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah who was arrested
last Dec. 2 in Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao for possession of
bomb-making devices.
Rafiqullah, 48, was described by his
arresting officers as an expert bomb maker who has been in the
country since 1993. He was declared an overstaying alien and has
reported ties to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Al
Khobar group which provides bombs for terrorist attacks.
He was also reportedly linked to the bus
bombing in Digos City, Davao last July.
State prosecutor Juan Pedro Navera said RA
8294 (illegal possession of explosives) is a bailable offense
and Rafiqullah who was caught with at least three mortar shells
is liable to be assessed a bond of some P600,000 for his
temporary liberty.
Rafiqullah has denied the allegations against
him and opted to face preliminary investigation by signing a
waiver of detention. "I wish to avail myself of my right to a
preliminary investigation and for this purpose, voluntarily
waive my right under the provisions of Article 125 of the
Revised Penal Code. Pending the completion of the preliminary
investigation proceedings, I agree to remain under police
custody," he said in a document signed before the prosecutor. He
was accompanied by his lawyer Rosemarie Gonzales.
As a result of the waiver, Rafiqullah may no
longer sue the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group
elements who arrested him at his cellphone repair stall in
Barangay Tipawan in Datu Mastura Mun town for any delay in
delivering him to the proper judicial authorities.
The CIDG charge sheet said among the
incriminatory items recovered from Rafiqullah were a
rocket-propelled grenade shells with explosive filler, blasting
cap inserted; two 81 mm mortar shells with fuse assembly, an
alarm clock; soldering lead; wires, detonating cord, blasting
caps, five cellular phones, personal computer, and three SIM
cards.
PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa said Rafiqullah
could have been the source of several bombs which exploded in
the Mindanao in the past. He said all indications point to
Rafiqullah being used by rogue elements to make the bombs
detonated in past bombings. "We are now tracing his connections
with rogue elements of the MILF," Verzosa said. "The information
is that may connection siya or maybe member ng Jemaah Islamiyah.
We are still establishing kung may cell siya dahil nag-iisa
naman siya noong nahuli." – Evangeline de Vera and Raymond
Africa
