Wednesday, December 31, 2014

NorCot cops clueless who set off IED in town's public market

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 1): NorCot cops clueless who set off IED in town's public market

MLANG, North Cotabato -– Police authorities here continue to gather evidences and information about unidentified men who set off an improvised explosive device (IED) at a busy public market here Wednesday afternoon which left one dead and 35 others wounded, four of whom were in serious condition.

Mlang Mayor Joselito Pinol also urged the police and military to expedite the probe on and seek people’s cooperation who can provide information that could identify, arrest and prosecute the suspects.

Earlier radio sketchy report said four persons could have died in the blast that occurred at 3:45 p.m. while hundreds of rush shoppers mill around the site where the IED went off.

But Ferdinand Pinol, town administrator, said only one person died and identified as Christine Salo, 28 of Barangay Bialong, Mlang. He said four of those rushed to various hospitals were in critical condition.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Mendoza condemned the attack and urged Mlang local officials to strengthen their resolve in protecting our people from further barbarism.

”We have witnessed once again acts of barbarism aimed at disrupting our peace and order initiatives.While I assure you that your provincial leadership is exhausting all efforts in bringing these cowards into the folds of law and prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Mendoza said.

”This act has no place in a civilized society. I reiterate our firm stand against any form of violence on our people,” she added.

She conveyed condolences to the family of the dead and offered prayer for the full recovery of those who were injured.

Mendoza added that the provincial government will provide financial assistance to blast victims and affected families.

”While we are sincere in our offer of peace to everyone, we seek justice for all the innocent victims as well,” she said in a statement.

To the perpetrators, Mendoza said: “Your actions today will not discourage the provincial leadership in its pursuit of a peaceful North Cotabato. Your outright disrespect to every Cotabateño will end sooner than later.”

Wednesday afternoon’s bombing came 38 days after a similar IED was set off by still unidentified men at a makeshift billiard hall in front of the town plaza that left three teenagers dead and wounded 23 others.

On Monday, police operatives from PNP in Region 12, arrested a man due to drug pushing but later identified him to be one of those who set off an IED in the Nov. 23 bombing.

All the victims in the public market blast Wednesday were merrymakers preparing for the New Year’s revelry.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=720937

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