Suspects in North Cotabato bombing identified, hunted down

From InterAksyon (Nov 20): Suspects in North Cotabato bombing identified, hunted down

Police authorities in North Cotabato on Tuesday said they have the identities of the men who planted and set off one of two improvised explosive devices at a populated highway in Kabacan, North Cotabato on Sunday night.

Superintendent Danilo Peralta, North Cotabato police director, however refused to divulge the names of the perpetrators saying a manhunt operation is still ongoing.

The police-led task force is composed of other investigating units of the military and the PNP as well as the local government of Kabacan.

A 19-year-old student of University of Southern Mindanao (USM Kabacan) was killed while 16 others were hurt. Thirteen of the victims were USM students.

Monique Mantawil, a development communication student, and her classmates and friends were walking along the national highway near an overpass when the improvised explosive device was set off around 7 p.m. She sustained shrapnel injuries in the head.

Monique has been laid to rest Monday in accordance with Islamic tradition.
Her classmates and friends described her as very friendly, idealistic and determined to finish her studies.

Dr. Francisco Garcia, USM president, appealed for a speedy and impartial investigation to give justice to Mantawil and other victims. Garcia said the university will extend assistance to the students.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza and Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman have offered a combined P200,000 reward for the arrest of the suspects.

Authorities blamed the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) or illegal drugs groups for the bombing.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/99555/suspects-in-north-cotabato-bombing-identified-hunted-down