JI bomb expert arrested in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines - An alleged bomb expert of the regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah was arrested by combined police and military elements Tuesday afternoon in southern Philippines. Muhammad Alpariz, a Bangladeshi, was arrested at about 3 p.m. at his rented shop in Tapayan village, Datu Mastura Mun in Shariff Kabunsuan, Maguindanao. Alpariz is described by authorities as an expert in making improvised explosive devices. His arrest was based on an arrest warrant issued by Davao City regional trial court branch 13 judge Isaac Robillo. Recovered from the area were two improvised 60-mm mortar shells, two 81-mm mortar shells ready to be rigged with electric wires, one 1.5 dry cell battery, an alarm clock, a celluar phone, a computer set, two mortar boosters, two non-electric blasting caps converted to electric blasting caps, and detonating cords. Alpariz was brought to Davao City for interrogation. - GMANews.TV