AFP sees Abu Sayyaf as possible suspects behind Basilan blasts

From CNN Philippines (May 31, 2022): AFP sees Abu Sayyaf as possible suspects behind Basilan blasts

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was likely responsible for the twin explosions that rocked Isabela City, Basilan on Monday.

"ASG ang nakita nating suspect although wala pa kaming report talaga kung sino ‘yung suspect at ano ‘yung motive nila," Western Mindanao Command commander LtGen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said on Tuesday [Translation: We are looking at the ASG as the suspects, although we do not have a report yet who the suspects are and what the motive is.]

He added it could have been an attempt at extortion by the ASG or another group.

Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin confirmed the blasts in a Facebook post, adding that no one person was hurt in the incident.

The explosions happened in two separate areas in the city — one near a fast food restaurant and the other at a bus garage.

Rosario said the police were confirming the cause of both blasts and working with the military to get to the root of the incidents.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with CNN Philippines, NCRPO Regional Director MGen. Felipe Natividad said the national capital region remains on "full alert" as the election period is still in effect.

"We don't have any threat related to the explosions in Isabela City, Basilan," he said on Balitaan.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/regional/2022/5/31/afp-abu-sayyaf-basilan-explosions.html