Military eyes BIFF as behind Sultan Kudarat explosion

The Philippine Army on Wednesday blamed the the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for Tuesday night's deadly explosion in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat that killed two and hurt almost 40 people.

"BIFF... Wala namang ibang ano nito, kasi prior the incident monitor natin 'yung ano, 'yung galaw nila, 'yung kanilang plano to conduct IED (improvised explosive device) attack dito sa area ng 6th ID so nasundan na rin ito," Captain Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the Philippine Army's 6th Infantry Division, told reporters.

"Dinivert nila 'yung kanilang plano from the area ng Marbel, Maguindanao considering na meron nga festival dun sa Isulan so they took advantage of 'yung mataong lugar though 'yung primary target nila is 'yung ating security forces," Encinas said.

Encinas claimed that the motive of the local terrorists was to "sow fear in the community."

The blast, which left two dead and 37 others injured, occurred around 8:34 p.m., near a gasoline station in Barangay Kalawag 3 where the celebration of the Hamungaya Festival took place.

Two of those wounded were soldiers while the other one was a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographic Unit (CAFGU).

The incident took place despite government forces being on red alert amid constant threats from ISIS-inspired groups in Mindanao as well as due to the martial law declaration of President Rodrigo Duterte in the entire region.

Isulan police chief Superintendent Celestino Daniel earlier said that there is still no evidence showing that the international terrorist group ISIS or Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant was behind the explosion.

Meanwhile, according to Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the 6th Infantry Division, authorities are still investigating the kind of bomb used in the explosion.

Sobejana said it would also help in determining the perpetrators of the incident.

"Medyo iaano lang muna namin ito kasi we have to compare it, meron na kaming data ano at we will treat it confidential first para ma-establish namin talaga kung kaninong grupo ano, kasi may signature naman na tayo sa mga bomba na gawa ng iba't ibang terroristang grupo at other lawless elements," Sobejana said.

"Mai-compare natin tapos 'yung bomber mismo was seen in plain view kaya marami tayong makuhang witnesses para makapag come up tayo ng carthographic sketch [sic], CCTV, pati pinapa-extract ko 'yung kopya para isang reference din natin," he added.

Following the explosion, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said that the extension of the martial law declaration in Mindanao was still an "option"

"It's an option. We're trying to make it as easy as possible na walang ano. But kung ganito pa rin ang nangyari, anong gagawin natin? Upo lang tayo diyan?" Medialdea said.

Duterte placed the entire Mindanao under military rule after the ISIS-inspired Maute group attacked Marawi City in May 2017.

Both houses of Congress jointly extended the declaration twice, and is expected to last until December 31 this year.

Strongest evil desire

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly condemned the attack, noting that the BIFF has the "strongest evil desire" to initiate hostility in the area.

"We believe that the terrorist group BIFF is the primary suspect behind this atrocity. They are the ones who have the strongest evil desire to initiate this kind of attacks that victimize innocent civilians and disrupt peace," said AFP public affairs chief Colonel Noel Detoyato in a statement.

"Kung may tunay silang ipinaglalaban, why victimize civilians?" Detoyato added.

Detoyato also assured the public that security measures would remain in place in the area.

"We are now collaborating with the Provincial Police that is leading the investigation and security operations," Detoyato said.

"We will fully cooperate with the local government officials lead by Mayor Maritess Pallasigue of Isulan, Sultan Kudarat in the overall security changes that will be implemented in the town," he added.

The AFP also urged the public to remain "vigilant and report to the authorities any suspicious individuals or packages to avert a similar incident from happening." — MDM, GMA News