Raps vs Salamat, et al dropped

DAVAO CITY — The city prosecutor’s office here dismissed the criminal charges filed against the leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), led by its chairman Hashim Salamat, for the July 25 bombing attempt on a barangay hall at Bago Aplaya, Talomo District.

Charges of attempted murder against Salamat, MILF vice chairman for military affairs Al Haj Murad, spokesperson Eid Kabalu, local commander Gerry Abubakar and 43 other suspected Moro separatist rebels were filed by the Southern Mindanao police command after several powerful homemade bombs were found at the barangay hall.

Assistant City Prosecutor Albert Alaxan said the police failed to come up with strong evidence that would directly link the MILF to the bombs found.

The police reportedly failed to name or pinpoint who were the two motorcycle-riding men who planted the bombs hours before they were discovered by residents.