AFP cites importance of info sharing following identification of Indon bombers in Jolo cathedral

July 24, 2019

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) underscored the need for "cooperation and information sharing" with allied countries following the reported confirmation by the Indonesian government on the identity of the suspects involved in the twin bombings of a church in Sulu early this year.

“This development further highlights the importance of cooperation and information sharing between and among countries in the region particularly Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines. Not only on matters with relevance to the military, but also those that impact on the police to bolster our security postures,” Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesman said on Wednesday.

Arevalo said the military has provided vital information to the Indonesian government about the matter.

“The media report quoting Indonesian authorities that the perpetrators in the Mount Carmel Cathedral explosion in Jolo, Sulu was an Indonesian couple comes as a confirmation of our own findings in the thorough investigation we conducted,” he said.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has shared notes and provided vital information with Indonesian counterparts,” he said.

“Those data which were based from our own inquiry and intelligence contributed to their deliberations that led to this confirmation,” he added.

The Indonesians, who were allegedly involved in the twin bombings in the Jolo cathedral last January, were reportedly identified by the Indonesian authorities as Rullie Rian Zeke and his wife Ulfah Handayani Saleh. Robina Asido/DMS