Sayyaf bombers of Sulu karaoke bar identified

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The military authorities have identified the two Abu Sayyaf members behind the bomb attack Thursday night in a karaoke bar in Jolo town, Sulu province.

According to the military, the attack was part of the diversionary tactics of the Abu Sayyaf group led by Radullan Sahiron to ease the offensive pressure launched by government forces against militants in Patikul and Talipao towns.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS), said intelligence units identified the Abu Sayyaf bombers as Namil Ahajari alias Gapas and Roger Saji.

He said both were responsible in the bombing of the karaoke bar near the headquarters of Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo.

READ: Abu Sayyaf tagged in Sulu videoke bar blast

The blast damaged the establishment owned by former Talipao vice mayor Mijan Hasim. No casualty was reported.

Based on intelligence reports, the bombing was part of a hostile plan aimed at targeting military troops.

The report also disclosed that the priority targets of the bombing include Kakuyagan Village where several military personnel are frequently sighted by the Abu Sayyaf group and along Serrantes Street in downtown Jolo where troops are searching for provisions.

“Accordingly, said hostile plan or action is to divert the focus of military troops currently conducting focused military operation targeting their group in the hinterland of Patikul and Talipao municipalities,” Arrojado said in a text message.

He said troops have been alerted on the retaliatory attack of the Abu Sayyaf group by which counter measures are being conducted.