BIFM clueless on Maguindanao bombings

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement is still gathering information as to who could be behind the bombings in Maguindanao last Monday that killed a BIFM member and wounded eight others.

Abu Misry Mama, spokesman for the BIFM, said the bombings caused the suspension of their “Islamic dialogue” in a village in Lower Salbu in Datu Saudi town.

“We will conduct an inquiry first. We cannot just point an accusing finger at any group without strong evidence,” Mama said.

Mama also allayed fears of possible retaliation by their forces for the death of Kagui Haron.

Maguindanao police director Senior Superintendent Jaime Pido said investigators had complained of the reluctance of villagers to identify the injured bandits for fear of reprisals.

“Most of these bandits have standing warrants of arrests. That could be one reason why people in the area do not want to cooperate,” Pido said.

Commander Karialan, BIFM chief-of-staff, and Mohammad Tambako, BIFM chief political officer, were among the wounded.