Jolo bombings an act of revenge over arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan – researcher

A terrorism researcher claimed Tuesday that the twin Jolo bombings yesterday were retaliatory attack over the recent arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad “Edang” Susukan.

“Based on the documents I have, magkakaugnay ‘yan kasi iyang si Susukan ay main operative ng Abu Sayyaf sa mga kidnap for ransom, bombing operations nila,” Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research said in a Dobol B sa News TV interview.

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Authorities said fifteen people – seven soldiers, six civilians, one police officer, and the female “suicide bomber” died in the two explosions in Jolo. The twin blasts also injured over 70 people, according to the military.

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari handed over the Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad “Idang” Susukan at his house located in a subdivision in Davao City.

Susukan was then transferred to Camp Crame last week.

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“Malaki ang mensahe nito sa law enforcement authorities: that despite the increased law enforcement activities nila roon even amid the pandemic, na-outsmart sila,” Banlaoi said.

“Dalawang pandemic po ang hinaharap natin, COVID-19 at terrorism. Parehong lethal at virulent,” Banlaoi added.

Banlaoi said the way the Jolo bombings was executed (improvised explosive devices on a motorcycle) was a go-to attack style of the ISIS in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Syria.

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Jolo bombings an act of revenge over arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan

“Iyan ‘yung nangyari sa Mt. Carmel bombing [sa Jolo] last year; ang ginagamit nila sila Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria. Normal form of attack ‘yan kasi iyang IED, pag nilagay mo sa motor, iyong motor nagiging shrapnel, iyong gasoline ng motor naamplify iyong blasting. Combination ng ammonium nitrate, fuel,” Banlaoi pointed out.

“Hindi na kailangan ng official na statement ng ISIS [na sila ay may gawa], kasi iyong vehicle born IED, iyong female suicide bombing, isa lang ‘yan, ISIS-inspired groups tulad ng Abu-Sayyaf,” Banlaoi added.

Banlaoi added that Anti-Terrorism law would greatly help the authorities to go after the people behind the Jolo bombings.

“Makakatulong po talaga ang Anti-Terrorism law kasi bukod sa actual perpetrator, kasama rin [sa krimen] iyong financiers, nagsu-supply ng weapons, nag train ng army, nag-recruit, nag-incite, mastermind, mapapanagot,” Banlaoi said.

“Itong batas ay against terrorism, not against human rights,” Banlaoi added.