Maute Group, Abu Sayyaf ally tagged in mall blast

MANILA, Philippines — Security forces have linked the terrorist group Daulah Islamiyah to last Monday’s bombing of a shopping mall in Cotabato City that left two people dead and over 30 others wounded.

Regional military commander Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana yesterday said initial investigation showed the design of the bomb was similar to those used by extremists who have pledged allegiance to Islamic State (IS).

“We are looking here at the Daulah Islamiyah as the perpetrators,” Sobejana said.

Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. also said police investigators have found similarities in the type of explosives used by the Maute group and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

“Based on the modus operandi and signature, our investigators have initially found as a result of the post-blast investigation that an ISIS-inspired local terrorist group was behind the bombing,” Durana said, referring to the IS.

Daulah Islamiyah is a group of local and foreign Muslim extremists, which in alliance with the Maute and Abu Sayyaf led the attack and occupation of Marawi City last year.  

While the terror group is known to be operating on their own in Central Mindanao provinces, they were monitored to have worked several times alongside BIFF.

Government forces launched an offensive against militants belonging to Daulah Islamiyah last week and at least seven of the militants died in the fighting, Sobejana said.

He said the Cotabato mall bombing could be part of retaliation from the group.

“But the problem is they’re victimizing innocent civilians,” Sobejana said.

Sobejana said aside from Daulah Islamiyah, the military and police are still looking at other homegrown terror groups.

The bomb went off near a baggage counter at the entrance of the South Seas mall in Cotabato City, wounding shoppers, vendors and commuters.

Two people were killed instantly while 36 others were brought to different hospitals for medical treatment. Officials said 10 of the wounded were minors.

Durana, however, pointed out that police have yet to determine who are behind the attack.

“It’s a good principle in any investigation that we are not (limiting) ourselves to just one possible suspect,” he said.

Durana also defended the local police over questions about possible lapses in security.

He said security forces cannot guard every inch of Mindanao, the reason why they need the cooperation of the public.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde ordered the formation of a task force to focus on the investigation of the Cotabato bombing.

“I have immediately directed the creation of a special investigation task group to get to the bottom of this incident. We appeal to the public to remain calm but watchful and to immediately report to the authorities any information that may lead us to the suspects and help us crack this case,” he said.

Albayalde condemned the attack which happened hours before the New Year.

“We vow to mobilize all available resources in order to quickly bring to the bars of justice those responsible for these cowardly attacks against innocent civilians,” he said.

The latest bombing comes as Mindanao prepares for a plebiscite in January for the creation of a Muslim autonomous area as part of an effort to end the separatist insurgency.

Many of the IS-linked groups have openly rejected these peace efforts.  – With John Unson