THE PNP has formed a special investigation task group that will look into last Monday’s bombing of a passenger bus in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat that left a passenger dead and 11 others injured.
Police officials said they have identified persons of interest in the bombing of the bus owned by the Yellow Bus Line but refused to identify them pending the probe.
Soccsksargen regional police director Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg said he formed the Special Investigation Task Group Yellow Bus “to investigate the incident so that we can solve the case and possibly arrest the suspect faster.”
The task group is headed by Col. Rogelio Raymundo, deputy chief director for operations of the Soccsksargen regional police office.
“We have POIs but we cannot divulge their identity as of this time,” Macaraeg said.
He assured the public that the bombing was an isolated incident and the security sector, including the military’s Task Force Talacudong, “is on top of the situation, and there is no reason to panic.
“We encourage the public to be vigilant and report any information that may lead to the solution of the incident, or any information pertaining to activity that may disrupt the prevailing peace and order in the area,” said Macaraeg.
An improvised bomb exploded at the rear portion of the bus while it was travelling near the St. Louis Hospital in Barangay Isabela at around 11:30 a.m.
Raymundo said a second IED did not explode and was recovered by responding security forces.
Raymundo said five of the injured passengers have been discharged from the hospital while six others are still under observation.
The AFP Western Mindanao Command identified the fatality as Gilbert Gabosa, 56, a resident of Carmen, North Cotabato. The 11 injured passengers included two soldiers.
“We have persons of interest but allow us to complete the gathering of evidence, statements so that we can compare with similar incidents,” said Raymundo, referring to the bombing of YBL buses in the past.
Raymundo said they are looking into extortion as the motive. An Army commander in Central Mindanao earlier said YBL received extortion demands prior to last Sunday’s bombing.
Raymundo said the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah, which has been linked in the past bombings of YBL buses, is a suspect in the latest attack.
“That is one of the groups we are looking into,” said Raymundo, referring to the Daulah Islamiyah. “The manner (the bombing was conducted) was similar to their past bombings.”
PNP spokeswoman Col. Jean Fajardo said the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters is another group possibly involved in the attack.
“BIFF members have been identified to be involved in previous bombings. They (investigators) are still looking at this group which may have collaborated or conspired with other groups to initiate this kind of atrocity,” said Fajardo.
“The SITG is looking into at least two terrorist groups operating in Central Mindanao…That is the focus of our investigation,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said an investigation is also underway to look into possible lapses of policemen, particularly in the field of intelligence gathering.
“If the administrative investigation shows negligence (on the part of police personnel), I am sure the provincial or the regional director would initiate appropriate action,” said Fajardo.
“Corresponding administrative sanctions should be meted against those personnel found liable and negligent on their job.”
PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. denounced the attack even as he assured the public that “the full might of the PNP and the government will be used to arrest these criminals so that justice will be served and the rule of law prevails.”
Azurin said Tacurong City has been placed under “tight security watch” as police and military personnel try to find leads on the case and step up pursuit operations against the “authors of this latest episode of senseless violence.
“We do not want to make premature conclusions as to the motive and suspects behind this crime without the benefit of evidence-based investigation, but we are not discounting the possibilities of historical data of criminal motive behind similar attacks in the past,” said Azurin.
Maraeg said the entire Soccsksargen regional police office is under full alert status effective yesterday.
“I want all units to conduct checkpoints and check the safety of all travelling persons. Intensify patrolling and intelligence gathering,” said Macaraeg.
The attack was also denounced by Maj. Gen. Roy Galido, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, who said. “We condemn this act to the highest degree. This is a cowardly act of the terrorist group and peace spoilers that put the lives of innocent civilians in danger and doing so is a violation of both human rights and international humanitarian law.”
Galido said the military is working with the PNP in the conduct of law enforcement operations “to neutralize these terrorists…We will exert efforts so that we can identify who are the culprits of this incident and pursue proper actions according to law.”
