7 killed, 5 wounded as suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb Basilan New Year's party

From InterAksyon (Jan 1): 7 killed, 5 wounded as suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb Basilan New Year's party

Seven persons were killed and five others wounded when suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf detonated a bomb during New Year’s celebrations at the home of a militiaman in Basilan province.

Authorities are still to determine the motive for the 10:22 p.m. attack on the home of Manuel Cisneros in Zone 6, Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip.

Captain Jefferson Somera, 1st Infantry Division spokesman, said Rey Limbin, Elbert Gumuba, Elbert Gumuba Jr., Kitarol Kadik, Lynibel Cesniros and Lourdes Ablong were killed immediately in the explosion.

Jessa Dingkong died at the Zamboanga City General Hospital where the injured were airlifted.

Hataman condemns bombing; extends aid to victims

Regional Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) condemned the bomb attack, describing it as a "cowardly and satanic act meant to kill innocent people."

He assured the victims' families that justice will be served. “We assure them that justice shall be served,” Hataman said in a text message to reporters.

ARMM has already extended financial and medical assistance to four persons wounded in the attack.

Police and military investigators confirmed the explosive used in a residential compound in Basilan was a hand grenade with improvised trigger mechanism.

Apparently, the suspect and the victims knew each other as they even welcomed the unidentified man as he arrived at the residential compound in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip town.

One witness told investigators that the victims offered food and drinks to the suspect who, after few drinks, quietly left.

Minutes later, the bag that he left under his chair went off.

Police identified six of the fatalities as Rey Limbin, Elbert Gomoba, Kitarul Kaddik, Leniebel Cisneros, Lourdes Badjon Gumuba and Therese Claire Alegarbes.

Barangay Tumahubong is about 10 kilometers away from Barangay Buli-Buli, the hometown of Gov. Hataman.

He directed the police to identify, arrest and file charges against the perpetrator.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/77825/7-killed-5-wounded-as-suspected-abu-sayyaf-bomb-basilan-new-years-party