Killed would be bombers members of RSM: Police confirm terrorism angle

The Police Regional Office-7 (PRO-7) has confirmed that the two men, who were killed in a shootout with policemen Thursday night after they left a box containing explosive in a mall at the North Reclamation Area were indeed terrorists.

PRO-7 director Eduardo Gador said that the two, who were identified as Ali Usop alias Ismael Usop and Datu Neil Ulama, belonged to the Rajah Sulayman Movement based in Mindanao. The group has been tagged as responsible for several bombing activities in various parts of the country.

Gador said that the two were among the eight suspected terrorists, who slipped past a raiding team from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-NCR during an operation in Marikina last April 27.

The CIDG-NCR was however able to recover various explosive during that raid. The authorities believed that these were supposed to be used for bombing activities during the Labor Day celebration last May 1.

The CIDG-NCR immediately alerted police nationwide about the eight suspected terrorists and sent out their photos to the various units.

Community Coordination

When the information reached PRO-7, Chief Supt. Gador immediately coordinated with the local Muslim community.

Gador said that the Muslim community has been cooperative and assured the police of their assistance since their livelihood will also be affected if terrorists will operate here. Gador said that the police are now strengthening their intelligence operation and are coordinating with their counterparts from other countries in preparation for the ASEAN Summit here this December.

Gador added that last Thursday's incident should also serve as a wake up call to the other people in the community so they would realize the danger that terrorism poses.

"Maayo man ang engkwentro kay naa may specific target, but ang terrorist bombing, to whom it may concern man gud ni." Gador said.

The regional police chief also encouraged the media to support the campaign against terrorist activities.

Gador theorized that the terrorists must have wanted to scare Cebuanos with a bombing activity, which could lead to the cancellation of the ASEAN Summit. If such happens, then terrorists can already claim victory, Gador opined.

Marikina Raid

Supt. Nelson Yabut, who was one of the team leaders in the Marikina raid, confirmed during a radio interview that the safehouse that was the subject of their operation last April 27 was used by the RSM.

PRO-7 deputy director for operations Lani-o Nerez in a separate interview said that after meeting with the CIDG in the last week of April, they have immediately put in place monitors to track the possible entry of the eight suspects.

Nerez said that one member of the group, who managed to elude arrest in Marikina, is based in Cebu.

The police have been actively pursuing their leads about this person, who reportedly has been moving from one place to another to avoid detection.

Nerez said that some members of the RSM Balik-Islam are allied with the Abu Sayyaf Group in Mindanao.

He explained that the RSM are considered terrorists because they have been tagged as responsible for the 2003 Rizal Day Bombings, and also for similar attacks in Zambonga, Manila and Davao and the Superferry bombing in 2004.

Nerez said that they will be coordinating with the CIDG-NCR to do a further background check of the two men who were killed last Thursday night.

"Dili pagpanghulga ang ilang tuyo kundili patay gyud," Nerez said.

He added that the death of the two could trigger retaliatory attacks.

Other RSM Members

CIDG-7 Operations chief Rex Derilo said that they have met with officials from CIDG-NCR to discuss the case of these RSM members.

He would not however divulge what transpired in their coordination meeting, but said they have been monitoring the activities of three to four members of the group in Cebu including one woman.

He said that the vigilance of the community indeed helps in this battle against lawless elements citing how one customer of the mall alerted the security guards about the men, who left a shoebox, which was placed inside a plastic bag near the mall entrance.

The guard was quick to direct the customers and employees to another exit while the person, who reported the matter to the guard was quick to call the police for assistance.

The shoebox contained an improvised explosive device and was detonated by the police.

Cebu City Police Homicide chief Mario Monilar said that a paraffin test will be done on the two fatalities to determine if they were really able to open fire at the responding police teams from various units.

He also reasoned out that it took them time before bringing the suspects to the hospital because a rifle grenade was found in the crime scene and they feared that it might explode.

The two men were spotted by police at A. Soriano street in barangay Mabolo, but reportedly fired at the policemen when they were approached prompting the authorities to shoot.

The two, who were peppered with bullets were later brought to CCMC, but were declared dead on arrival.

Police were able to recover a one caliber .45 Combat Commander pistol without a serial number with magazine containing four live ammunition, another cal. .45 Combat Commander pistol with serial number 411369 with magazine also containing four live ammunition, 20 empty shells of M-16 ammunition, six empty shells of 9 mm, 14 empty shells of cal. .45, and the wallets of the two suspects containing their IDs and cash.

Commendation

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia commended the police personnel of Cebu City for their swift and effective reaction.

She said that one cannot discount the possibility of threats to our security and the reaction of the police showed that they are ready at all times.

The governor added that this is another proof that Cebu in indeed ready to host the ASEAN Summit. - with Cristina Birondo