COTABATO CITY, Philippines – Army and police intelligence personnel in Central Mindanao believe re-electionist Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu was the target of the foiled roadside bombing in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat Friday.
Policemen are searching a certain Cristobal Pangki, the alleged owner of a motorcycle planted with bombs and parked along the national highway in Isulan.
The bombs were discovered after the convoy of Mangudadatu passed by on its way to Ampatuan municipality to commemorate the third anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre.
Mangudadatu, chairman of the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council, said he would give a reward to anyone who can give information leading to the arrest of the people behind the bombing attempt.
“I have also ordered the Maguindanao provincial police to help in the investigation to hasten the efforts of determining who could have masterminded that foiled bombing,” Mangudadatu said.