The two explosions in Jolo, Sulu on Monday are possibly connected as initial investigation indicates that the first bombing incident may have been carried out by a suicide bomber.
Contrary to initial reports that the bomb was placed in a motorcycle, the Joint Task Force Sulu disclosed that bomb experts did not locate any explosives on the said vehicle.
“Nandoon na iyong bomb expert natin, wala roon iyong ano. Sabi ‘Sir, hindi roon.’ Kasi may crater doon in between sa sasakyan ng military. Nandoon iyong crater, nandoon iyong sabi ko na lasug-lasug na katawan (Our bomb expert was there, the [explosive] was not there. They said ‘Sir, it is not there.’ There is a crater between the military vehicle. The shattered bodies are in the crater),” JTF Sulu Commander BGen. William Gonzales relayed.
Gonzales added that the two suicide bombers being pursued by authorities over the incident are possibly dead. He admitted the difficulty in verifying information since the body parts of the suspects and victims could have been mixed up in the scene.
Philippine Army Chief Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana confirmed that the lady suicide bomber who carried out the second blast was one of the bombers they have been chasing as part of the special mission of the four army intelligence officers killed by cops.
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Sobejana disclosed that they are now verifying if the dead suicide bomber is Norman Lacusa’s wife. Lacusa is said to be the first suicide bomber in the country who is allegedly behind the explosion in a military camp in Sulu last year.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief PGen. Archie Gamboa has ordered the pursuit of those involved in the crime.
“While we express our heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family of the deceased and sympathy to the wounded, we assure them of our keen resolve and commitment to bring to justice those responsible for this vicious attack,” Gamboa stated.
The entire Jolo, Sulu is currently under lockdown and authorities are now identifying the type of explosives used.
The latest data from JFT Sulu show that eight soldiers, one SAF personnel, and six civilians died while 21 soldiers, six cops, and 48 civilians have been wounded. – Report from Bea Bernardo
