Charges vs Abus tagged in Zambo bus bombing dropped

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines – The Department of Justice has dismissed for lack of evidence the charges filed against four Abu Sayyaf militants tagged in the bus bombing in this city last Aug. 16. 

In an interview over a local television station over the weekend, city prosecutor Ricardo Cabaron said the testimonies of the witnesses did not establish that Hud Limaya, Maymay Limaya, a certain Toto and another unidentified suspect were behind the explosion. 

The explosion that hit a Rural Transit bus along the Maria Clara Lobregat Highway in Barangay Guiwan left seven people dead, including the bus conductor.

Cabaron said mere identification of the suspects in the police rogue gallery is not enough to pin down the accused.

Meanwhile, an Abu Sayyaf militant was killed while two others were wounded in an encounter with members of the joint Special Forces and Scout Rangers in Sumisip, Basilan last Sunday. 

Capt. Alberto Caber, public affairs chief of 1st Army Division, said government troops were conducting security patrols when they chanced on the group of Abu Sayyaf militants in Barangay Mebak.   

Caber said the slain militant was identified as Mohammad Aliman. The wounded were identified as Kirum Tampuri and Kursi Umangkat.