Pubdate: Mon, 14 Jun 2004 Source: Manila Times (Philippines) Copyright: 2004, The Manila Times Contact: http://www.manilatimes.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/921 Author: Anthony Vargas Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?203 (Terrorism) DRUG SYNDICATES, TERRORISTS HELP EACH OTHER, PDEA SAYS DRUG syndicates operating in southern Mindanao have forged a symbiotic relationship with local terrorist groups based there, a ranking government official said on Monday. Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief, Anselmo Avenido Jr., said, "We have been receiving reports from our men in the field about this and what we are doing now is to validate and verify carefully these reports." He said in an interview that the "symbolic relationship" has been beneficial to both groups as the terrorists offer safe haven while getting "aid" from the drug syndicates. Without elaborating, Avenido said, the PDEA does not discount the possibility that drug money has somehow helped financed some terrorist activities. Although he refused to name which terrorist groups are involved, he said the raid on a Muslim community in Quezon City two months ago has exposed one group. "The raid in Culiat last April has shown the Abu Sayyaf Group has already dipped its hands in the illegal drug trade," he said. During the raid, agents seized several firearms, grenades and explosive ingredients, drug paraphernalia and about 100 grams of shabu and arrested 12 persons. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh