COTABATO CITY (MindaNews / 29 Aug) – The military has blamed the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for the bombing in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat Tuesday night that claimed the lives of two people and injured 35 others.
Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said there was no doubt that the BIFF was behind the bombing in its campaign to sow terror among the people.
“Prior to that incident, we have already monitored their plan to conduct terror attacks,” claimed Encinas.
The BIFF, however, denied involvement in the bombing. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama said it was actually a ploy of the military.
Encinas said the bomb, placed near a parked motorcycle, exploded in front of the J and H Marketing along the national highway in Barangay Kalawag 3, near the “ukay-ukay” area (stalls selling second hand items).
Isulan is celebrating its 61st anniversary and activities have been lined up for the 7th Hamungaya Festival this week. Tuesday’s schedule included a Family Day and Farmers’ Day.
The two fatalities in the bombing were seven-year-old Devey Shane Alayon, of Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat, and Leni Ombrog, 52, of Isulan.
Nezel Alayon, mother of Devey Shane, is seeking justice and called on authorities to catch the perpetrators.
She said they were buying a comforter while Devey Shane was walking around. “My brother was also nearby, but when the bomb exploded, he was not hurt. It was my daughter who got hit,” Nezel narrated. (Ferdinandh Cabrera / MindaNews)