Key intel units on alert following bombings in Mindanao

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday said it has alerted intelligence units in key areas, including Metro Manila, amid the two deadly bombings that rocked two key cities in Mindanao in just a matter of two weeks.

AFP spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said intelligence units are now working doubly hard to prevent possible attacks in other key cities.

Before the deadly car bombing in Cotabato City on Monday night, another bomb exploded in a bistro in Cagayan de Oro City last July 26.

“Our intelligence units are on alert to thwart any possible threats. It’s a continuous process in order to pre-empt any terror plots. We are doing our best. We have to prevent possible spill-over to other areas,” Zagala said.

Eight persons were killed while more than 40 others were wounded when still unidentified suspects detonated a powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in front of a crowded restaurant in an upscale entertainment district in Cagayan de Oro late night of July 26.

Probers are eyeing a group of Muslim militants as the perpetrators of the carnage. They believe that these militants had just undergone a bomb and explosives training last year in Marawi City.

From six, the number of fatalities in Monday night's bombing has risen to eight. Thirteen out of 28 of the injured victims were still confined in hospitals in Cotabato City and nearby areas.

“As of now, we are supporting the police in conducting a thorough investigation. We are continuously conducting joint assessment to be able to identify the suspects and their motives in launching the attack,” said Col. Custodio Parcon, commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-1 (MBLT-1) based in the city.

Parcon said that it’s still too early to say that the bombing was politically motivated. He said the police are looking at all possible motives behind the attack.

“We don’t want to speculate at this time. A joint police and military investigation is still underway,” Parcon said.

The IED rigged to a multi-cab vehicle parked in front of the Hop @ Shop Store and the Villa Funeral Homes along Sinsuat Avenue exploded and burst into flames while the bullet-proof vehicle of Cotabato City administrator, lawyer Cynthia Guiani Sayadi was passing by at about 4:15 p.m.

The explosion was so powerful that metal debris from the blast site hit houses and other establishments that are located at least 30 meters away.

Guiani was among those hurt in the blast. She has been discharged from the hospital.

Her two security escorts including a policeman, were among the eight people killed in the blast as their escort vehicle was hit hard by the blast, which military probers said was incendiary in nature.

The car bombing took place even as the military and the police in the area are on full alert for Eid'l Fitr celebration in the city.