South Philippines blasts kill two

Two people have died in twin explosions at shops in the city of Iligan in the southern Philippines.

At least 47 people were injured - two critically - in the blasts, which went off minutes apart in two shops packed with Christmas shoppers.

Police have blamed "terrorists" for the bombs, and Philippines President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has vowed to bring the perpetrators to justice. Iligan is on the island of Mindanao, which has an active Muslim insurgency.

There have been sporadic clashes between government troops and rebels fighting for self rule since August, when a court blocked a land deal aimed at ending years of fighting.

The bombs appeared to be home-made, and one report said they were packed with nails.

They were placed at baggage counters close to the entrance of both stores where customers check their bags before shopping, police said.

UPDATE:

Note: Photo enclosed:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?ArticleId=425183

“3 killed, 47 hurt in Iligan blasts”
By Lino De La Cruz and Roel Pareño Updated December 19, 2008 12:00 AM

ILIGAN CITY – T
ARTICLE SNIPPET: “No group has claimed responsibility for the two attacks, but police suspect that rogue bands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front have made true their threat to bomb the city.

Col. Nicanor Dolongan, 403rd Army Brigade commander, said shortly before the first explosion, a close circuit television at the UniCity caught two people wearing a Muslim scarf depositing a baggage at a counter outside the department store.

“Our suspects here are members of the lawless MILF group because of the type of (improvised explosive device) that were used,” he said.

Police investigation showed the two mortars wrapped as Christmas gifts were left at the baggage counters of the two department stores.

The two mortars exploded at about 1:35 and 1:40 p.m. after being triggered from a safe place by remote control with the use of a cell phone, according to investigators.

Iligan City police director Senior Superintendent Virgilio Ranes told The STAR the terrorists were able to slip in the mortars without being detected because the baggage counters were located outside the department stores.”

UPDATE:

http://www.bworldonline.com/BW122008/content.php?id=073

Vol. XXII, No. 105-A
Saturday, December 20, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Nation
“Mindanao cities on highest alert”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “DAVAO CITY — Mindanao’s urban centers are put on highest alert level following the explosions that rocked Iligan City and the recovery of an improvised explosive device in General Santos City on Thursday afternoon, which military authorities said confirmed the planned bombing runs by terrorist groups in key cities of the island.

Despite these threats, President Arroyo visited Iligan on Friday for the inauguration of the city’s Suka Pinakurat Processing Plant. She also visited hospitals where the wounded victims were and the funeral home for the two who died immediately during the explosions.

On Thursday, a powerful home made explosive device ripped the baggage counter of Iligan City’s Unicity Commercial Center, around 1:30 pm. Ten minutes later, another bomb went off at Jerry’s Supermarket, wherein two people were instantly killed. The military said the explosives that were used in the bombings are the same as those used by terrorists and the MILF special operating group in the past.”

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http://www.bworldonline.com/BW122008/content.php?id=072

Vol. XXII, No. 105-A
Saturday, December 20, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

The Nation
“Military linking MILF behind Iligan blasts”

ARTICLE SNIPPET: “THE MILITARY is linking the rogue members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), as behind the twin bombings in Iligan City on Thursday, which killed two civilians and injured several others.

Malacanang has directed the National Counter-Terrorism Action Group (NACTAG) to undertake measures to ensure that the blast in Iligan would not happen in Metro Manila. In a phone patch interview, Executive Sec. Eduardo R. Ermita said the NACTAG should focus on curbing terror activities as lawless elements may commit crimes during the holiday season. Mr. Ermita said the NACTAG has been conducting table top exercises, rehearsals, and scenarios to prepare security forces in case terrorists try to sow violence in Metro Manila. In a phone interview, Col. Nicanor A. Dolojan head of the Army’s 430rd Infantry Division based in Lanao del Norte said that the rebel groups under the base command of wanted MILF leader Abdullah Macapaar alias “Bravo,” is their primary suspects behind the incident, judging from the type of explosive device used in the attack.

“Though the investigation is ongoing, the lawless MILF group under Bravo is our primary suspect in the incident based on the remnants of the IED (improvise explosive device) recovered from the scene,” Mr. Dolojan said.”

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