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Saturday, July 12, 2003
MILF hand eyed in Koronadal blast
KORONADAL -- Security officers are looking into the involvement of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the latest bombing attack in Koronadal City that left at least three persons dead and 29 others injured.
But unless there is strong proof that the MILF is indeed involved, President Arroyo said during her visit to the site of the blast Friday that peace negotiations would continue.
Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 director, Chief Supt. Manuel Raval, told Arroyo during a security briefing in the city that there is a big possibility the MILF had a hand in the blast.
He said the separatist group is raising funds by extorting money from local government units in Central Mindanao and have threatened to bomb those who refuse to pay.
A stern-faced Arroyo inspected the scene of the blast and told journalists "all the perpetrators will be brought to justice."
"Nothing in the peace process will deter us from punishing terrorists and bringing them to justice," she said.
Her spokesman Ignacio Bunye later said the Arroyo statement was a direct threat to call off peace talks.
"The inclination is really toward peace, and the only thing that will sidetrack this peace initiative is if and when the perpetrators of the bombing are proven to be MILF," Bunye said.
Bombing attacks
Raval said in his briefing to Arroyo that evidence in past bombing incidents in Mindanao tied the MILF to the blasts so it is not farfetched for the group to be involved in the latest incident.
He cited the bombing attacks on the Davao International Airport in March 4 and Sasa Wharf, also in Davao City, in April 2 and a similar blast at the Koronadal public market in May 10.
Ranking MILF leaders and members face charges before the courts for the Davao blasts.
Based on the analysis of police, the incident is related to the recent three other bombings. "So we believe that the perpetrators in these bombing incidents (are) also connected with the latest bombing. With regards the identities of those persons arrested in first to third incidents, they were with links to MILF," Raval pointed out.
But he admitted the investigation has just started and they are also looking at other angles including the involvement of the Abu Sayyaf.
He said what is clear is that the motive is extortion.
Prior to the bombing, a certain Abu Sulaiman, reportedly a member of the so-called Abu Muslim outlaw group, called up Koronadal Mayor Fernando Miguel asking for a certain amount but the official rejected the demand.
Hours after the blast, the same person reportedly called Miguel again and claimed responsibility for the incident. Officials, however, played down the claim, recalling that Sulaiman had made similar claims previously to back up extortion demands.
Three persons
In Manila, Foreign Secretary Blas Ople said "there are initial indications that the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) is involved in this latest bombing."
The MILF rejected the charge. MILF spokesman Eid Kabalu described allegations linking the rebel group to the blast as stupid.
Kabalu said Malaysia, which has been invited to monitor any ceasefire between the MILF and Manila, should send a team to investigate.
Thursday's explosion was the fourth in six months in Koronadal City and came on the eve of the weeklong Tinalak Festival of South Cotabato.
Police said witnesses saw three persons fleeing the area shortly after the improvised explosive device went off at around 2:25 p.m. Thursday.
The three are now the subjects of a massive manhunt.
Authorities recovered bicycle ball bearings from the bodies of the victims and a plastic blasting cap from the scene of the explosion.
"We are still examining the other explosive materials used in the blast in the police crime laboratory," Raval added.
Task force
President Arroyo ordered authorities to immediately arrest the perpetrators of the blast and suggested the creation of a task force similar to the one in Davao City.
The objective of the task force for South Cotabato will be to prevent terror attacks, noting that this was not the first bombing attack on the public market, said Davao City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte, who was in Koronadal Friday to meet with Arroyo.
Duterte, as presidential consultant on peace and security, was in the security briefing given to Arroyo by South Cotabato authorities. Interior Secretary Joey Lina and South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes were also in the meeting.
Arroyo condoled with the families and relatives of the blast victims and handed out cash assistance to them.
"Terrorism could strike anywhere at anytime. It is for us to constantly keep up our guard and be responsible for one another's safety. All the perpetrators will be brought to justice," she said.
She added that the important thing at present is to care for the wounded, to assist the victims' families and strengthen the vigilance of the community while efforts to capture the bombers are conducted.
"I share the grief of the leaders and the people of Koronadal over this incident. Muslims and Christians are victims of terrorism and both must have the solidarity to ensure the security of the whole community," Arroyo said.
Last May 10, 15 people were killed while 40 others were wounded when a powerful bomb also exploded at the sidewalk of the eastern portion of the same public market.
Continuing plot
But instead of being cowed by fear, Fuentes said residents manifested their unity by showing up for the opening day of the Tinalak festival.
"Instead of destroying the will and the courage of the South Cotabateņos, the attacks instead strengthened them," Fuentes said.
Former defense secretary Renato de Villa admitted nobody could prevent a determined bomber from attacking populated urban centers.
"Very clearly Koronadal City is a targeted area in so far as terrorism is concerned," de Villa said.
Duterte agreed, saying there is no guarantee that terrorists could be prevented from attacking any area in the country.
"There is no way you can prevent a determined bomber. Maski ano ang gawin mo," Duterte said. (No matter what you do.)
Duterte also revealed that there is a continuing plot to sow terror throughout Mindanao.
Among the areas being targeted, he disclosed, are the cities of Davao, General Santos, and Koronadal. Sunnex Luzon/Sun.Star General Santos/Sun.Star Davao
(July 12, 2003 issue)
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