DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 12 Nov) – Authorities arrested on Wednesday the bomber believed to be behind the Sasa Wharf explosion in 2003 and the bombing of the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal in 2005.
Suspect Abdul Manap Mentang, along with companions Tokan Panta and Nads Mama, was arrested by joint military and police operatives in Barangay Panatan, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato at 1:55 p.m., according to Sr. Supt Roberto Badian, Regional Chief Directorial Staff of the Police Regional Office 12 (PRO12).
Forces from the Military Intelligence Group 12, Intelligence Service, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Criminal and Detection Group in Central Mindanao joined operatives of PRO12 in the arrest.
A caliber .45 pistol with serial number 760718 and ammunition and cash worth P94,500 were recovered from Mentang’s possession.
But police said they are still determining the affiliation of Mentang’s two companions because they do not have a standing warrant.
Mentang was arrested by virtue of a warrant issued by Judge Lope Callo of Regional Trial Court Branch 33 for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder.
The suspect was arrested because of his alleged involvement in the Sasa Wharf explosion, wherein 15 people were killed while 46 others were wounded.
But Badian said Mentang was also believed to be behind the bombing at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal that killed a 12-year-old boy and injured at least eight others.
After being brought to the Pigcawayan Municipal Police Office, and then to the North Cotabato Provincial Police Office, Mentang is now temporarily housed at the detention facility of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group 11.
