YBL resumes operations in Koronadal despite bomb threats

KORONADAL CITY – The management of Yellow Bus Lines (YBL) resumed its operation on Saturday, barely eight days after extortionist group said to be linked to Abu Sayyaf militants blew up two improvised bombs here that left one person dead and 12 others wounded. The bus firm resumed operation at about 5:00 a.m., with tight security measures implemented within YBL's depot in this city and in nearby towns, according to Olimpio Par, YBL operation's officer. Also, the firm's security guards were directed not to allow any passengers to board their buses if they refuse to undergo inspection. "Our drivers and conductors were ordered to pick-up passengers only in designated loading and unloading areas," Par told Catholic-radio station dxOM here. On August 4, the YBL management suspended operations following two bomb blasts in its units here. Police blamed the attacks to Al-khobar, a gang extorting P2 million in protection money from the bus company. The group reportedly has direct links not only with Abu Sayyaf but also with renegade members of Moro Islamic Liberation Front, a secessionist organization engaged in peace talks with government. Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato police director, said they arrested a suspected member of Al-Khobar group but refused to reveal his identity. "We will reveal his name in due time. Right now, we are having operation to capture his colleagues," said Kiunisala, adding the suspect was arrested on August 8 at his hideout here. YBL, the largest bus company plying the routes of Davao, General Santos, and Koronadal, resumed their operations three days after Al-khobar warned them of more attacks if they continue to ignore their demand. Kiunisala said the Al-khobar gang phoned the bus company on separate occasions on Tuesday and Wednesday, warning them of more attacks if they continue to refuse paying monthly protection money. "A man introducing himself as member of the gang phoned the company using the same mobile phone number. He insisted to talk to the general manager but he failed. He warned of more bombings if they will not consider their demand," Kiunisala said. - GMANews.TV