Bato: Drug lords could have paid Sayyaf

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga, Philippines – The bombing of the night market in Davao City last Friday that killed 15 people could be a case of narco-terrorism perpetrated by drug lords who hired the Abu Sayyaf to do the job, according to Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa.

Addressing members of the Central Luzon police force after the flag ceremony, Dela Rosa yesterday said the Abu Sayyaf – known for kidnap-for-ransom operations – could have been hired by still unidentified drug lords.

He said drug lords could have contacted the Abu Sayyaf to conduct bombings to retaliate against the Duterte administration, which had launched a relentless campaign against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa, however, did not cite any evidence to back up his claim.

He urged the Central Luzon police to continue the intensified campaign against illegal drugs, while at the same time warning law enforcers not to get involved in drug trafficking.

He said 77 policemen from the region have been transferred to Mindanao for alleged involvement in prohibited drugs.

Central Luzon police director Chief Supt. Aaron Aquino said he has a list of more cops being probed for involvement in illegal drugs, including one policeman who is believed to be still active in drug operations in Pampanga.

Artist’s sketch

Meanwhile, investigators have produced an artist’s sketch of one of the four suspects in the bombing, Dela Rosa said.

He said the police also established the physical profile of the other suspects.

“As of now only their physical profile, not their legal identity. Physical profile through artist’s sketch,” said Dela Rosa, who refused to provide more information pending further investigation.

Dela Rosa said he saw one of the artist’s sketches of the suspects, whom he described as having a beard.

He urged the public not to be terrorized and instead go on with their normal lives.

He urged the public to be vigilant and report to the concerned police stations if they see suspicious package or individual.

Dela Rosa said they are still verifying identities of those behind the attack.

He explained that the Abu Sayyaf kidnap people for money so they can also bomb people for money. 

“Pera-pera lang yan sila,” he said, describing the terror group’s mercenary mindset. - With Cecille Suerte Felipe, Edith Regalado