‘Bukidnon attack meant to derail peace efforts’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The recent attack on a passenger bus in Bukidnon was part of a plan of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and the New People’s Army (NPA) to derail peace efforts in Mindanao, security officials said yesterday.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, city police chief, said this was the assessment made by intelligence experts on the bombing of a Rural Transit Mindanao Inc. (RTMI) bus that left 10 persons dead and 42 wounded. 

Casimiro said extortion was just a secondary motive. He said the BIFF, the NPA and a faction of a Muslim rebel group planned the attack.

“We are working with the military’s Joint Task Group Zamboanga to tighten security here,” he said.

 He gave assurance that measures are being taken to prevent any attempt to derail the implementation of a peace agreement signed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. 

He said they have not intercepted any bomb plot in this city.

Meanwhile, Chief Superintendent Wendy Rosario, director of the Southern Mindanao police, said all police units in the region have been put on alert. 

Rosario said the Army-led Task Force Davao has strengthened its monitoring and intelligence network to ensure security in Davao City.

Task Force chief Col. Macairog Alberto said checkpoints have been set up in the villages of Sirawan, Lasang and Calinan.

Bomb awareness symposia were also conducted in several establishments to encourage people to help in preventing terror attacks.

Employers were urged to allow the conduct of bomb awareness briefings in their establishments. – Edith Regalado