Bukidnon bombers are ‘BIFF new recruits on test mission’

From the Sun Star-Davao: Bukidnon bombers are ‘BIFF new recruits on test mission’

Authorities identified Wednesday the suspect in Tuesday's bombing of a Rural Transit bus in Maramag, Bukidnon that killed 11 passengers and wounded 31 others.

Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, deputy commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command, identified the suspect as one Garnet Lintang, commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operating in Central Mindanao.

 Balutan said the BIFF was conducting a test mission for their new graduates.

He said that based on the forensic investigation, the improvised explosive device used was an 81-millimeter mortar, which was command detonated with the use of a mobile phone.

BIFF is a breakaway group opposed to the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Balutan said their unit, in coordination with the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division and the Bukidnon provincial police, already launched a massive manhunt against Lintag and his cohorts, as multiple murder charges are set to be filed against them before the provincial prosecutor's office.

Reports also said the suspects were captured by a closed circuit television (CCTV) camera in Maramag where the bus left before proceeding to Cagayan de Oro City.

[Video report: Cagayan de Oro, Davao alerto human sa bus bombing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pk__IE6aIV8]

The incident took place around 5:45 p.m. Tuesday in Maramag, Bukidnon. Most of the victims were students.

The Rural Transit bus had picked up passengers, mostly students, and was passing near the main gate of Central Mindanao University in Maramag when the powerful blast sent shrapnel and debris flying through the vehicle, Maramag safety officer Alejandro Navarro said.

Authorities also believe the incident had something to do with the demands of the BIFF to the said bus company.

The Rural Transit has been receiving extortion letters from the group asking for protection money, Balutan said.

He added that aside from extortion as motive, the information gathered showed that the group was also conducting a test mission for their new graduates.

Killed in the incident were Emma Valiente, Ken Valiente, Anita Santillan, Catherine Villahermosa, John Bernard Cunahap, Jonathan Balida, Mariel Pachacoso, Michelle Gonzaga, Michael Buctos, John Rey Valdesco, and one remain unidentified.

"We are trying to secure the main routes in Bukidnon. Meron naman kaming checkpoints from Davao to Bukidnon to Cagayan de Oro kaya lang mahirap talaga minsan idetermine when these elements strike," Balutan said.

A special investigation task group, named "RTMI 2640" and composed of various police units, was also formed Wednesday to focus on probing the bus bombing.

Davao on alert

But with the incident, Police Regional Office (PRO)-Davao spokesperson Antonio E. Rivera said the police have placed Davao Region under red alert status. He added that they have implemented enhanced visibility and strengthened their security measures.

In a memo dated December 9, 2014, PRO Director Wendy Rosario directed the city and provincial police to intensify target hardening measures and ensure that all the field units will also intensify their security measures to preempt similar incident and planned atrocities and other threat groups against vital installations in Davao.

Act of terrorism

Meanwhile, Armed Forces information chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc was blunt, saying the incident is an act of terrorism.

"Terrorism cannot be justified on any ground or for any purpose. The Filipino people must strongly condemn every act of terrorism and senseless violence against our fellowmen," Cabunoc said, adding 403rd Brigade commander Colonel Jesse Alvarez has been sent to the area to help in the police investigation.

Asked if the latest bomb attack could lead to a stricter security for Pope Francis when he visits the Philippines in January, Abigael Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson, said, "I can tell you that even without this event, the preparations for the visit of His Holiness do take into consideration all humanly possible situations."

She added the government is ready to extend assistance to the victims.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/12/10/bukidnon-bombers-are-biff-new-recruits-test-mission-381332