Sultan Kudarat police officials relieved from post over 2 bombings in 6 days

Several police officials in Sultan Kudarat have been relieved of their duties as a result of Sunday's bombing in Isulan, which left two people dead and 12 others injured, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday.

Among those who were sacked on the orders of PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde were PNP Region 12 Director Eliseo Tam Rasco, Sultan Kudarat Provincial Director Noel Kinazo and Isulan Chief of Police Celestino Daniel, Jr.

PNP spokesperson Benigno Durana, Jr. conceded that there have been lapses on the part of the police, considering that a second bombing still happened in a town that was both under martial law and still wary after a first deadly bombing just five days earlier.

“Obviously, there were gaps in the security measures in place. That is why the officials of PNP Region 12 were relieved. This [move to relieve them from their post] will also pave the way for a thorough and impartial investigation into Sunday’s incident, and another similar incident earlier,” Durana said in a news conference.

Citing reports from local police, Durana said that the explosion was caused by an improvised explosion device planted inside a computer shop in Barangay Kalawag 2.

“We should have doubled, if not tripled our efforts in installing security measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again. How are we going to fill in those loopholes? That will be a subject of further investigation by the local police," Durana said.

"But of course, we cannot cover every inch of Sultan Kudarat. That is why we are also calling on the public to be vigilant and help us with any information they might have," he added.

Durana identified the second fatality as 15-year-old Marialyn Lupa, a relative of the previously identified first victim, 18-year-old John Mark Lupa.

“We extend our sympathies to the Lupa family and strongly condemn this senseless act of terror done for whatever motive the perpetrators may have,” he said.

According to the police official, Albayalde has directed police units to intensify the conduct of checkpoints, police visibility patrols, and focused intelligence and law enforcement operations in close coordination with the Armed Forces and other members of the security sector.

“We appeal to the public to immediately resume their normal activities and not be disrupted by this incident to deliver a strong message that the people of Sultan Kudarat will not be cowed,” Durana said.

He also maintained that having two deadly bombings does not mean that martial law in Mindanao, which is supposed to neutralize Maute terrorists and their sympathizers, is not working.

“You can look at the other way as well. Kung walang martial law, baka hindi lang 'yan ang na-experience natin. There will always be peace spoilers,” Durana said.

However, he said that as yet the authorities cannot pinpoint with certainty who the perpetrators are. 

“So far, hindi pa tayo makabigay ng definitive statements whether these two incidents are related. But one thing we're confident ay ito po ay kagagawan ng local threat groups at breakaway ng BIFF [Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters]," he said. —VDS/NB/BM, GMA News