‘No state of calamity in Basilan over bombing’

MANILA, Philippines — Cocolisap infestation and rice shortage and not the bombing that killed 10 people in Lamitan prompted the declaration of a state of calamity in Basilan, the military clarified yesterday.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, belied reports that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan declared a state of calamity upon the recommendation of the Provincial Peace and Order Council because of ongoing military operations.

“The AFP contacted Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman-Saliman and he said that the declaration was due to cocolisap infestation and the ensuing rice shortage,” Arevalo said.

The suicide car bombing at a military checkpoint left five soldiers, four civilians and the bomber dead and eight others, mostly soldiers, wounded.

Police and military operations are underway in  Haji Mohammad Ajul, which is 30 kilometers away from Lamitan, as well as in Akbar and Tuburan  towns.

At a peace and order council meeting on Monday, Senior Superintendent Rufino Inot, Basilan police director, expressed confidence on the early resolution of the case, saying they have gathered several pieces of evidence to pin down the perpetrators.

“I assure you we will resolve this case as soon as possible. In fact we are more than half of the accomplishment,” Inot said. 

He said they traced the previous owners of the van used in the bombing, but refused to give details so as not to jeopardize ongoing police operations.

Inot said arrested preacher Ustadz Indalin Mallaning Jainul has been charged with multiple murder, multiple frustrated murder and illegal possession of explosives.

Prior to the incident, Jainul was reportedly seen alighting from the van used in the bombing. – With Roel Pareño