The military suspects Abu Sayyaf member, Mundi Sawadjaan, as the brain behind the twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu. Sawadjaan is allegedly the nephew of Abu Sayyaf Leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan who is considered as the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) Emir in the Philippines.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Gilbert Gapay initially disclosed that Sawadjaan is in Sulu and that he is also allegedly behind the bombing of the Jolo Cathedral on January 2019 where 20 deaths were recorded.
The Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) are also monitoring 4 Indonesian terrorists in Sulu who arrived in the Philippines in 2017. They are alleged relatives of those who caused havoc in Sulu.
“Iyong tatlo, anak ng suicide bombers sa Jolo Cathedral then ‘yung isa ay asawa ng eldest daughter (The three are children of the suicide bombers in Jolo Cathedral then the other one is the spouse of the eldest daughter),” WestMinCom Commander MGen. Corleto Vinluan disclosed.
He added that there is no current information if the said terrorists have the ability to be suicide bombers. In relation with this, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered additional reinforcement in Sulu.
Report from Bea Bernardo
