Davao bombers planned another attack, says AFP

From Malaya Business Insight (Nov 1): Davao bombers planned another attack, says AFP

A GROUP blamed for the September 2 bombing in Davao City, which left 14 people dead and scores wounded, had planned to conduct a follow-up attack either in Maguindanao or Davao, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao said the Army’s assessment indicates the plot had been pre-empted by the arrest of seven suspected bombers and an accomplice, all members of the Maute Group. But the military is not letting its guard down, he added.

Hao said probers learned of the plot following the arrest of three of the suspects last October 4 and an accomplice last October 9, all in Cotabato City. Last Saturday, Army intelligence operatives arrested four more suspects, also in Cotabato City. Hao said at least six more suspects are being tracked down by Army operatives.

Asked if the group was planning another attack in Davao City, Hao said: “The information that was given to me was not specific… The plan is in Davao or Maguindanao.”

There are three Davao provinces -- Davao del Sur, Davao Del Norte and Davao Oriental. Davao City is a chartered city.

The official could not immediately say when the group would execute the follow-up bombing. “What our intelligence community told me was that there was a plan.”

Officials earlier said the Davao City bombing was meant to divert military focus from the intensified operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan. The Maute Group and the Abu Sayyaf are known to have links.

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