YBL suspends operation after Koronadal blasts

KORONADAL CITY — The management of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) suspended operations starting Saturday after two bombs ripped through its crowded terminal on Friday and killed a Protestant pastor and hurt 12 others. Ramon Buriel, YBL's chief of security, said the management will only resume its operation once they reach an agreement with police and military regarding security arrangements. "Unlike in Tacurong City and Isulan town where the military provides agents in our buses, we have problems in other depot, like in Polomolok, Tupi and General Santos," Buriel said. At the same time, he confirmed YBL has been receiving extortion letters and prank calls from the group of Al-cobar, demanding protection money. "The company can't afford to give in into their demands. The management before gave money but another group led by so-called commander, ask again. It will be a big lost for the company," Buriel said. Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato provincial police director, said the Al-cobar gang is demanding two million peso protection money from the bus firm. "We are currently discussing with the management about the security measures for the safety of commuters and their units," he said. Policemen initially blamed the Al-cobar gang, allegedly links to the Jemaah Islamiyah and Moro rebels, for Friday’s attacks. YBL, owned by Filipino-Chinese Yap family, is one of the region’s premier bus companies that has over a hundred buses servicing the Isualan-Tacurong-Koronadal-Geneneral Santos-Davao routes. Friday's explosion was the third attacks against YBL Company. On July 18, three persons were injured — including a child — when a bomb exploded inside a unit of YBL at the public transport terminal in Tacurong City. Another was bombed on July 7 outside the bus terminal here. Last June, eight persons were killed and more than 24 others were injured when explosions hit Weena buses in Bansalan, Davao del Sur; Matalam, North Cotabato; and Cotabato City. - GMANews.TV