WestMinCom chief: Zambo twin bombings a diversionary tactic by Abu Sayyaf

From the Zamboanga Today (Nov 15): WestMinCom chief: Zambo twin bombings a diversionary tactic by Abu Sayyaf

The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (WestMinCom) commander is viewing the recent explosion in Zamboanga city as a diversionary tactic that could be perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf due to ongoing military operations in Basilan.

“It’s more of a disruption to the ongoing security operations that we are doing not only in Basilan but also to secure the Boy Scouts Jamboree,” Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, WestMinCom chief, told local reporters.

Guerrero said that they expected some diversionary tactics by the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan due to the ongoing military offensive in the area, thus their decision to transfer some troops to the city proper after the explosion occurred.

At the time, the AFP is also securing more than 7,000 boy scouts staying at the Zamboanga Ecozone, the site of the Centennial Jamboree of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.

In a press conference, Zamboanga City Police Office Chief Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro said that the police is looking at various angles for the explosion that occurred last Sunday in downtown Zamboanga city.

This includes extortion and the possiblity that lawless elements are targetting Explosives and Ordnance Personnel in conducting bombing activities.

Guerrero clarified that he is not confirming the diversionary tactic angle as police are still conducting their investigation on the incident.

He however warned the local police to watch out for any diversionary tactics to be employed by lawless elements in Basilan to disrupt the government forces’ efforts in the area.

The two officials made the statement after separate explosions in downtown Zamboanga City last Sunday.

An Explosives and Ordnance personnel and his K9 dog were injured after an improvised explosive device exploded at the second floor of a massage parlor in Tomas Claudio Street.

Minutes later, Bomb Squad K9 handler PO2 Manuel Franklin Ined together with K9 dog Diego were injured in yet another explosion meters away from the establishment.

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/19176-westmincom-chief-zambo-twin-bombings-a-diversionary-tactic-by-abu-sayyaf.html