(Eagle News) — The Philippine National Police is standing by its initial claim the Abu Sayyaf was a suspect in the Jolo, Sulu blasts that killed at least 21 people.
According to PNP chief Oscar Albayalde, government security operations were ongoing against alias Kamah, an alleged leader of the Ajang-Ajang group of the Abu Sayyaf.
Local authorities earlier said alias “Kamah” was the man wearing a green jacket in footage from a closed-circuit television camera at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cathedral, where the blasts took place.
The man, however, surfaced on Wednesday, Jan. 30, and denied being “Kamah” and being affiliated with the Abu Sayyaf.
He said he was a Grade 11 student, and denied knowing the other man who was seen in the CCTV footage with him and his teacher.
Authorities at one point also claimed alias “Kamah” was not seen in the CCTV footage in the first place.
In an interview over CNN Philippines on Thursday, Jan. 31, Albayalde said alias “Kamah” had already been issuing threats against the cathedral, ever since he returned from Sabah.
“If probably Kamah is not responsible for this, why would he engage our troops and escape?” Albayalde asked.
He was apparently referring to the police raid of alias Kamah’s house in Patikul on Tuesday, Jan. 29.
Alias “Kamah” and an alleged cohort escaped.
Killed during the police operation was alias Kamah’s alleged relative, Ommal Yusop, who police said resisted arrest, prompting them to retaliate.
Recovered from the raid were a .45 cal. pistol, two cellphones, a sniper scope and a motorcycle.
“We have the suspect already and we will pursue him. (By) all indications, they’re (Ajang-Ajang, Abu Sayyaf) the ones responsible (for the blasts),” Albayalde added.
Other information
Albayalde noted, however, that authorities were also still validating information about other possible perpetrators of the blasts.
Earlier, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said there was information the incident was perpetrated by a Yemeni couple who committed suicide bombing.
He said for this, authorities were subjecting a body part found in the blasts site to determine whether he or she was a foreigner.
Lorenzana said there was also a report from a survivor that a “distraught” woman had left a “package” inside the cathedral before leaving the venue.
But Albayalde appeared wary of this information, saying the blasts required a big amount of explosives–two kilograms as estimated by the PNP’s Explosives and Ordnance Division— that should have been placed in a bag for them to go unnoticed.
“You have to confirm (if the package was indeed left)..A large bag, as I said, medyo aware mga tao dyan. If you leave it there, leave a bag, medyo magsususpicious mga tao.. Magtataka mga tao,” Albayalde added.
