Slain bus bomber linked to previous attacks in Soccsksargen: Army

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18, 2022): Slain bus bomber linked to previous attacks in Soccsksargen: Army (By Edwin Fernandez)

The bombed unit of the Mindanao Star Bus in Aleosan, North Cotabato on Jan. 11, 2022. (File photo courtesy of Mhen Maslamama/Jess Ali)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – The slain primary suspect in the recent Mindanao Star Bus (MSB) bombing in Aleosan, North Cotabato was involved in previous bomb attacks in the Soccsksargen region, the military here said Tuesday.

Lt. Colonel John Pal Baldomar, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said Norodin Hassan, slain during an Army law enforcement operation in Barangay Tonganon, Carmen, North Cotabato on January 15, was also linked to the twin bombings in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in 2018, and also the bombing of a mall in Cotabato City in 2019.

Baldomar said Hassan was also involved in the burning of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) unit in M’lang, North Cotabato, and the YBL bus bombing in Tulunan, also in North Cotabato, which both took place last year.

“He has warrants of arrest for murder, multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder, arson and bombings, and anti-terrorism law,” Baldomar said.

“His group was also involved in the extortion activities against bus firms and multi-national companies,” Baldomar added.

Hassan and three others were slain four days after the military launched pursuit operations against them in Carmen, North Cotabato, following the bombing of the MSB unit in Barangay San Mateo, Aleosan, North Cotabato on January 11.

A five-year-old boy died while six others were injured in the incident.

Earlier, the management of Yanson Group of Companies (YGBC) lauded the Army for the quick response that led to the neutralization of the bombing suspects.

“We extend our sincere gratitude to our soldiers for their efforts in ensuring the safety of our riding public,” said Celer Estologa, YGBC legal and media relations manager for Mindanao, said in a statement.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1165719