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Title : Hunt for JI fugitive Mas Selamat continues
By :
Date : 10 March 2008 1723 hrs (SST)
URL : http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/singaporelocalnews/view/334011/1/.html

SINGAPORE: While the hunt for alleged Jemaah Islamiyah leader Mas Selamat Kastari continues, 40 illegal immigrants have been caught during the search efforts.

It has been 13 days and there is still no sign of Mas Selamat. Police said they have received over 1,000 calls and emails offering information as well as suggestions to improve search efforts.

Besides forested and coastal areas, police said the search has been extended to residential areas, including abandoned buildings and vacant houses.

The Police also maintained that they believe he is still in Singapore as there is no evidence to show he has managed to leave the country.

They also said there is no evidence that his escape was a result of help from others, although they are not ruling out the possibility.

Mas Selamat escaped on 27 February from Whitley Detention Centre, where he had been detained under the Internal Security Act since 2006 for involvement in a plot to crash a hijacked plane into Changi Airport.

Meanwhile, police said a 50-year-old man who had given false information regarding the whereabouts of the fugitive had done so to try and get some reward as well as to implicate someone who had been involved with him in a road rage incident.

His case has been adjourned till Friday, with bail set at S$10,000.

While police said they will not tolerate such cases, they encourage everyone to contact them should they see anything suspicious as there is no cause for concern if the information provided is in good faith. - CNA/ac



PM Lee says JI fugitive Mas Selamat's escape a setback
Religious, grassroots leaders join hunt for JI fugitive Mas Selamat
Man to be charged with giving false information in Mas Selamat manhunt
MM Lee says Mas Selamat's escape is a severe lesson on complacency
JI leader's escape underscores importance of trust in community


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