Dawlah Islamiyah possibly behind Sultan Kudarat bus explosion — military

The perpetrators behind the explosion that hit a passenger bus in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat on Monday could be members of Dawlah Islamiyah, the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division said Wednesday.

Colonel Dennis Almorato, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the bomb attack was a “signature of the Dawlah Islamiyah.”

According to the Police Regional Office (PRO) 12, the bus was at Isulan Public Terminal when the explosion happened.

Seven people were injured, including three minors.

Other victims were identified as Edgar Cochoco, 56 years old; Ramsiya Alilayah, 60; Analia Bagundang, 57; and Nur Fatima Maca-antao, 25.

The victims were brought to Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital for medical treatment.

PNP personnel and the Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit of the province rushed to the area to process the scene and determine the responsible group behind  the explosion.

A provincial-level Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) has been created to work on the case.

PRO12 chief Police Brigadier General Jimili Macaraeg said they will intensify their efforts with the help of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to identify the perpetrators.

“PRO 12 strongly condemns this dastardly act that affected seven innocent civilians,” he said.

“While PRO 12 is already on top of the situation, we will intensify our efforts together with the AFP and other law enforcement agencies to identify the personalities behind this atrocity and deliver justice to the victims,” he added. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News