War on Terror: Southeast Asia

Philippines

Philippines armed forces say they are following the moves of Abu Sayyaf chief Khadaffy Janjalani and express confidence he will be caught soon.

Police have beefed up security at Mindanao ports after intelligence reports of threats against maritime targets there.

The arrest of four Filipino members of the Asian terror group Jemaah Islamiyah on Friday prevented what could have been massive terrorist attacks on major cities and towns in Mindanao, a ranking military official said Sunday. The Sun.Star has more.

The arrest has caused anger among the separatist group MILF (with which the Filipino government is currently engaging in peace talks), so Manila will share the intelligence with MILF. MILF says three of the four arrested are members of their organization, not Jemaah Islamiyah.

Malaysia will not pay a ransom to Abu Sayyaf for the release of three prisoners held in the Philippines.

Malaysia

Malaysia boosts security at Thai embassy after threats to assassinate Thai officials.

Singapore

Singaporean prime minister says US-led war on terror has made the world safer.

Singaporean defense minister says the Straits of Malacca are not safe from terrorism.

Indonesia

Indonesia and the US have further strengthened intelligence and military ties.

But the Bush administration's "war on terrorism" in Southeast Asia could face a hurdle after the nomination by Indonesia's most popular political party of an accused war criminal to run for the presidency.

Time Asia has more.

Meanwhile, as clashes rage in Ambon, hardline Muslim leaders have threatened to send up to 7,000 fighters there.

Prominent Indonesian militant preacher Abu Bakar Bashir refused to be interrogated by police on Monday, with his lawyers saying authorities had given their jailed client too little time to prepare.

Meanwhile, Bashir's lawyers have been courting Islamic leaders and political parties.