Raps filed vs. 13 BIFF men over Sept. 2 Isulan blast

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- Police have filed double murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against 13 leaders and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in connection with the Sept. 2 bomb blast in the Sultan Kudarat town of Isulan.

Chief Supt. Eliseo Rasco, regional director of the Police Regional Office-12, said in a press conference here on Wednesday the suspects were identified based on evidence and intelligence information gathered by the composite Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) "LJ."

The task group was named after Liezther James internet café, where the improvised bomb exploded around 7:35 p.m. on Sept. 2,  killing two persons and injuring 12 others.

Rasco said the complaint was filed by the task group before the Provincial Prosecutor's Office of Sultan Kudarat province.

Charges were primary suspect Esmael Pendatun Nawal alias Gary and BIFF leaders Esmael Abdulmalik alias Abu Turaife, Imam Animbang alias Kagui Karialan, and Ismael Abubakar alias Imam Bungos.

The other suspects were Salahuddin Hassan, Nur Hassan alias Andot and Abu Salman, Dudin Hassan, Making Hassan, Bashir Nilong, Mersidik Naway alias Abu Mersid, Momong Ismael, Ali Solaiman, Carmen Usman and several other "John Does."

Rasco said the suspects were from Buliok in Pagalungan town and Barangay Tukanakuden in Sultan sa Barongis, all in Maguindanao province.

"The SITG's investigation showed that the suspects conspired in the planning and execution of the attack," Rasco said.

The Sept. 2 explosion was then the second in Isulan in just five days. The first incident occurred two days before the culmination of the town's 7th Hamungaya Festival and 61st foundation anniversary celebration on Aug. 28.

Three persons were killed and 36 others were wounded in the first bomb blast, which happened near an "ukay-ukay" stall along the national highway in Barangay Kalawag 3.

Police earlier filed multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder cases against 25 BIFF leaders and members in connection with the Aug. 28 attack. (PNA)