2 suspects charged in bomb attack on Mangudadatu convoy

MANILA, Philippines - Police yesterday filed charges against two suspects in last Monday’s car bomb explosion that hit the convoy of Maguindanao Gov. Ismael Mangudadatu in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Deputy Director General Nicanor Bartolome, officer-in-charge of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said charges were filed against Datu Karim Masdal alias Alibara Masdal and a certain Jay-R Reyes, the supposed buyer of the Kia Avella used in the attack.

The blast killed Maguindanao provincial board member Datu Russman Sinsuat Sr. and a certain Rocky Pareñas. Sinsuat’s son, Russman Jr., was seriously wounded, along with several others.

Mangudadatu believed he was the target of the bombing.

Bartolome said Masdal, who was seen by witnesses alighting from the white Kia Avella with license plate MDJ-274 before the explosion, was arrested in Tacurong City that same day.

His arrest though was not immediately announced pending further investigation. 

“Inquest was conducted today (yesterday) for double murder and multiple frustrated murder… A supplemental charge for damage to property will follow,” Bartolome said in a media briefing.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo said authorities are now looking for Reyes, who was reported to have bought the Kia Avella from its original owner, Maureen Ella Macasindil, proprietor of the Midvalley taxi company based in Barangay Maa, Davao City.

Based on a deed of sale, Reyes reportedly bought the car last year after the Macasindils replaced their old fleet of Kia taxis with nearly 500 brand new ones.

However, authorities could not locate Reyes who is said to be based in Cotabato City.

But Bartolome expressed suspicion that Jay-R Reyes could be a fictitious name.

“But let us wait until the final report is submitted by the (special investigation task group). As of late, there is no Jay-R Reyes in any file as far as these agencies are concerned,” he said, referring to the Land Transportation Office, the civil registrar’s office, Commission on Elections and Social Security System.

Meanwhile, Bartolome said the task group is considering personal motive in the attack based on the evidence gathered by investigators.

“It is an attack against Gov. Mangudadatu, though it has yet to be determined by the (task group). But for now, other motives had been ruled out unless there will be compelling reasons like new evidence that will be gathered,” he said.

Bartolome said the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police has been tasked to beef up security for Mangudadatu.

He said though the police would not advise Mangudadatu to limit his movements.

“The governor has his own schedule, so perhaps what is best for him is to be careful and for him to coordinate closely with the PNP and Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Robredo said it could not still be ascertained if the attack was carried out by the followers of former Maguindanao governor Andal Ampatuan Sr.

Robredo said investigators were still looking for evidence that could link the Ampatuans to the incident, as there are also other groups that could have pulled it off.

Lawyer Sigfrid Fortun, legal counsel of the Ampatuans in the Maguindanao massacre case, yesterday said his clients were unaware that Mangudadatu, their political rival, was targeted by the car bombing.

“They are not yet aware. I will tell them later,” said Fortun before the resumption of yesterday’s trial in Taguig City.

Fortun said the attack might have been staged by the governor’s rivals since “he is a politician.”  – With Edith Regalado, Aie Balagtas See