Mindanao blasts suspect killed in AFP ops

MANILA, Philippines — A suspect in recent bombings in Mindanao was killed while another was arrested in an encounter with government troopers in M’lang, North Cotabato on Wednesday, the military reported yesterday.

Monir Lintukan was killed while his supposed cohort, Randy Saro, was arrested, Lt. Col. Rommel Mundala of the 90th Infantry Battalion said.

The military said Lintukan and Saro are members of the Dawlah Islamiya terrorist group.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Western Mindanao Command chief, said joint forces were conducting pursuit operations against the perpetrators of bombings in Parang, Maguindanao; Koronadal, South Cotabato, and Tacurong, Sultan Kudarat when they encountered an undetermined number of terrorists led by Almoden Camen Sebod, alias Polok, in Purok 7, Barangay Dunguan.

Rosario said an M16 rifle, magazines with ammunition, a bandolier and an improvised explosive device were recovered during clearing operations.

Politically motivated?

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said probers are looking at politics as among the possible motives for the bombings in Mindanao.

He said there are indications the perpetrators made it appear the bombings were acts of terrorism. “If you will dig deeper, the groups or the perpetrators behind it, may mga grupo na sinuportahan at natalo,” Danao said.

PNP Directorate for Operations head Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said an assessment is underway to determine if there are lapses in intelligence gathering and implementation of security measures in Isabela, Basilan, which was hit by twin explosions on Monday.

He said police commanders found remiss in their duties and responsibilities would be relieved from their posts. – Roel Pareño, John Unson, Emmanuel Tupas