Trial of Sulu bombing suspect moved to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - The trial of the prime suspect in the Patikul, Sulu bombing in 2009 is set to continue tomorrow at the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 10.

Temugen Sahipa “Cocoy” Tulawie will be tried in Manila after Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, one of the complainants, asked the Supreme Court to move the trial from Davao to any RTC in Metro Manila.

Tulawie was arrested in Davao on Jan. 13, 2012. He was first detained at the Sulu provincial jail but moved to Davao City for his trial. 

Tulawie was charged with multiple frustrated murder and multiple attempted murder for alleged possession of explosives used in the Patikul bombing in 2009. 

He was also linked to the 2010 bombing at the Zamboanga International Airport, which left one person dead and 12 others wounded, including Tan.

The bombing occurred a few days after the arrest of Edgar Malaydan, a suspected member of the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah in Monkayo, Compostela Valley. 

Tan earlier declared that he has no political or personal motives in filing the case against Tulawie, who reportedly has the support of at least two non-government organizations – the Mindanao People’s Caucus and the International Solidarity Conference – and a strong backing from prominent personalities in Davao City.

Tan said Manila would be a neutral place where neither party would have any advantage, and the trial would be free from outside influence. 

However, several concerned persons and sectors have expressed fears that Malacañang officials may try to influence the trial.  Commission on Human Rights chairperson Etta Rosales openly aired her support for Tulawie’s innocence. 

Consortium of Bangsa Moro Civil Society secretary-general Sammy Maulana said Tulawie’s detention is political harassment. A Free Cocoy Tulawie Movement has also been launched.