JTF Sulu chief identifies suspects in Jolo twin blasts

The commander of Joint Task Force Sulu on Wednesday identified the suspects in the recent suicide bombing attacks in Jolo, Sulu that left over a dozen people, including government security personnel, dead.

Brigadier General William Gonzales said one of the suspects was identified only as Nanah, believed to be the wife of Filipino suicide bomber Norman Lasuca, while the other was identified as Inda Nhay, allegedly the wife of Abu Talha, the Abu Sayyaf's liaison to ISIS who was killed during a firefight with troops.

The nationalities of these female suicide bombers have yet to be determined.

The military earlier said the suicide bombers involved in the attacks were the ones being tracked down by soldiers last June 29 before these soldiers were killed by policemen in a shooting incident — an incident that is currently the subject of investigation.

At least 15 individuals, including soldiers, a cop and civilians, were killed in the explosions in Barangay Walled City last Monday. More than 70 others, mostly civilians, were wounded.

The incident prompted authorities to put the entire town of Jolo under lockdown so further atrocities could be prevented.

Philippine Army chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana earlier suggested that martial law should be implemented in Sulu province following the incident. His recommendation was supported by the Philippine National Police. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News