'Hired bombers' behind Bukidnon bus blast?

From ABS-CBN (Dec 11): 'Hired bombers' behind Bukidnon bus blast?

Could "bombers for hire" be responsible for the explosion inside a bus in Maramag, Bukidnon last Tuesday that killed 10 people and injured 41 others?

Risk Management Consultant Ace Esmeralda cautions the military against being too quick to blame the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for the bus bombing.

Esmeralda said while it is possible the BIFF is behind the incident, the attack occurred outside the BIFF's area of influence.

It's also odd that the BIFF has not claimed responsibility for the attack if indeed they were behind it.

"BIFF always claims it if they are victorious, if 'maganda' ang resulta ng trabaho nila," Esmeralda said.

This is the second attack against a Rural Transit Mindanao Incorporated (RTMI) bus in a span of five weeks.

Esmeralda said "bombers for hire," which can be contracted for as low as P40,000, should also be considered.

Motives of financiers, he said, could include eliminating competition among transport operators, or masking an assassination.

Extortion activities are also possibly being undertaken in order to raise funds for the elections, or to fund a group's activities, Esmeralda said.

The danger in focusing on BIFF without a thorough investigation, he said, is that it could hinder authorities from uncovering the true perpetrators and motive.

"The danger there is you close other doors to a good investigation. What's important is to investigate. If we have a sudden closure and just say it's the usual suspects, then we will not be able to prevent it (from happening again)."

Authorities earlier said the bombing could be a terrorist attack or an extortion attempt.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/focus/12/11/14/hired-bombers-behind-bukidnon-bus-blast