Manhunt on for politician tagged in Congress bombing

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a manhunt against former Basilan congressman and deputy speaker Abdulgani Salapuddin in connection with the Nov. 13, 2007 Batasang Pambansa bombing.

Chief Superintendent Angelo Sunglao, commander of Western Mindanao Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO), said Salapuddin’s wanted posters have been circulated after the court issued a warrant for his arrest early this month.

“We have considered him as a fugitive after he failed to turn himself in to face the charges,” Sunglao told newsmen while presenting Salapuddin’s computer-enhanced poster.

He said they will not negotiate with the fugitive former lawmaker even as police forces continue to intensify the manhunt.

Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 83 Judge Ralph Lee issued the warrant of arrest against Salapuddin, one of the seven suspects in the bombing.

The other accused are former Tuburan mayor Hajarun Jamiri, Police Officer 1 Bayan Judda, Benjamin Hataman, Adham Kusain, Ikram Indama, and Caidar Aunal.

The attack claimed the lives of four people, including Basilan Rep. Wahab Akbar and three other House of Representative staff, and injured 12 others, including Gabriela party-list Rep. Luz Ilagan and Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves.

The court has charged Salapuddin with multiple murder and frustrated murder and recommended no bail.

The former lawmaker earlier filed an appeal before the high tribunal but the Supreme Court rendered no action, prompting the lower court to issue the warrant for his arrest.