Jordanian journalist on alleged mastermind of Jolo blasts: He was one of my kidnappers

A Jordanian journalist who was abducted by Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu in 2012 said the suspected mastermind behind the Jolo blasts on Monday was one of his kidnappers.

In a tweet on Monday, Baker Atyani claimed that Mundi Sawadjaan, who was related to the Abu Sayyaf, tried to scare him by firing near his head and legs when he was being held captive.

“#Philippines army believes #AbuSayyaf militant Mundi Sawadjaan behind today's twin blasts in Jolo,” Atyani said.

“He was one of my kidnappers in 2012. I remember him with his several attempts to scare me by firing near my head & legs during my ordeal. A murderer who should be brought to justice,” he added.

In 2012, Atyani was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf. After being held by the rebel group for one and a half years, Atyani was able to escape from his kidnappers in 2013.

On Monday, twin bomb attacks rocked Jolo, Sulu. As of writing, the military's Joint Task Force Sulu said at least 15 people were killed while 78 others were injured.

Lieutenant Colonel Rolando Mateo, Philippine Army 11th Infantry Division spokesperson, believes the incident was perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf.

Western Mindanao Command chief Major General Corleto Vinluan on Monday said Sawadjaan was behind the blasts.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana on Tuesday also told GMA News Online Sawadjaan is the mastermind of the blasts.

"Si Mundi talaga 'yung brain ng suicide bombing diyan. Na-transfer 'yung knowledge sa kaniya from the foreign terrorists na nagtuturo ng bombing before," Sobejana said.

The first explosion transpired at 11:55 a.m. in front of Paradise grocery store when an improvised explosive device, placed on a parked motorcycle, exploded.

The military said security forces were conducting security patrols in the area when the explosions happened. —Joviland Rita/KG, GMA News