Philippines arrests JI-linked Muslim rebels

[Coventina]

Source: Reuters

MANILA, June 24 (Reuters) - Philippine soldiers have arrested a Muslim guerrilla who helped transfer funds from the regional militant network Jemaah Islamiah (JI) to local separatist rebels, an army spokesman said on Wednesday.

The presence of Islamic militants in areas where government forces are fighting Muslim guerrillas could scare away potential investors for vast plantations, undeveloped oil-and-gas fields and untapped gold and copper mines in the southern Philippines.

Army commandos caught Ansar Venancio during a raid at a rebel hideout in Marawi City on the southern island of Mindanao two weeks ago, Lieutenant-Colonel Arnulfo Burgos said on Wednesday, adding his arrest will help uncover links between JI militants and rebels on Mindanao.

"He facilitated the stay, travel and transfer of funds from JI to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)," Burgos said, referring to the country's largest Muslim rebel group.

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