MANILA — Malacañang on Friday called on the public to “cease and desist” from making any speculation about the Basilan bombing that killed 10 people.
“For now, I ask the public to cease and desist from making any speculation and let’s await for the final investigation report from law enforcement agencies,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a press briefing in Malaybalay, Bukidnon.
Roque said authorities are still verifying whether the incident was the handiwork of the notorious Islamic State or ISIS.
“We are still verifying (if) this was an ISIS attack. Authorities are still investigating. It’s very easy to claim credit for a foreign attack,” he said.
“We are not concluding anything yet because investigation has just started,” he added.
Roque commended the law enforcement agencies for their early action that led to the arrest of one suspect.
“I think authorities deserve praise for their early action leading to the arrest of one personality who may be involved in the bombing,” he said.
Roque was referring to 58-year-old Indalin Jainul who was reportedly arrested on Wednesday for illegal possession of explosive.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson, Col. Edgard Arevalo, said the military has yet to find evidence indicating that the blast was the work of a suicide bomber.
Arevalo has considered the possibility that the still unidentified driver of the exploded van was not the bomber but only a courier of the improvised explosive device (IED).
The driver was killed along with a soldier, four militiamen and four civilians. (PNA)
