Philippines praises Indonesia for anti-terrorism efforts

Last Updated: Sat, 13 Mar 2010 21:20:00 +1100

The Philippines president, Gloria Arroyo, has praised the Indonesian government's efforts to fight terrorism after authorities there confirmed the death of a senior member of the Jemaah Islamiyah group, Dulmatin.

Dulmatin allegedly masterminded the 2002 Bali bombings, which killed more than 200 people.

Indonesian authorities say they killed him in a raid earlier this week.

President Gloria Arroyo says his death is an inspiration for the Philippines to deal with terrorism itself.

Philippines forces have been fighting the local Abu Sayyaf group, which is thought to protect Jemaah Islamiyah members who have fled Indonesia.

Philippines officials say Dulmatin was with the Abu Sayyaf in the southern Sulu province last month.

He is believed to have left after Philippines forces killed an Abu Sayyaf leader, Albader Parad, in February.