ISULAN, Sultan Kudarat – Authorities have been placed on alert following Sunday’s bombing in nearby Koronadal City that hurt two civilians.
Senior Supt. James Gulmatico, the Sultan Kudarat police provincial director, has directed all municipal police chiefs to intensify police visibility in public places, establish more police checkpoints, and work with the Philippine Army.
“We are on alert,” Supt. Gulmatico said in a radio interview, following Sunday’s explosion at past 12 noon of an improvised bomb inside a parked pedicab beside the Catholic Church in Koronadal City.
Another bomb was deactivated in front of a convenience store along GenSan Drive. A suspected improvised explosive device that turned out to be spare parts for motorcycle was also detonated by bomb experts near a mall.
Sultan Kudarat is adjacent to Maguindanao where the suspected bombers operate. Chief Supt. Marcelo Morales, police director for Region 12, has earlier tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as behind the Koronadal bombing, as part of its diversionary tactic due to massive losses from military and police operations.
Morales said police and military intelligence agents have identified areas – where the BIFF have plotted to conduct diversionary operations outside Maguindanao. These areas include Tacurong City, Korondal City, Kidapawan City, Gen. Santos City. Among the reported targets are public markets, bus terminals and malls.
Morales has appealed to the public to remain vigilant as authorities expect more similar attacks in the future. “We need your cooperation, please immediately report suspicious persons and unattended boxes to the local police,” he said. (By Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
