If Sulu suicide bomber is Filipino, PNP says it will be first time local is involved

July 1, 2019

If proven that the nationality of the alleged suicide bombers in a Sulu military camp on Friday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said this will be the first time that a local terrorist committed this crime.

"If they will be found (to be) local, that will be the first time," PNP Police General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing on Monday.

"But then again, their identities must be confirmed first... we have to acertain the true identities of this perpetrators," he added.

At least eight died, including three soldiers, while 22 were injured in Friday's blasts at a military camp in Sulu. 

On whether the bombers were members of Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) or son of the Moroccan allegedly involved in 2019 Jolo cathedral bombing, Albayalde said they are working with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in gathering evidence to prove such claims.

"The PNP and the AFP are working closely to establish the circumstances surrounding this incident to possibly identify and make the perpetrators accountable so that the ends of justice may be served," he said.

"ISIS always claims any atrocities, all the atrocities not only in Mindanao but elsewhere in the country or even in foreign countries. We all know that," he added.

Albayalde said the PNP has yet to receive the post-blast investigation report from the explosives and ordinance division ( EOD).

"As of this time, we are still gathering evidence but there are no exact statement from EOD on what materials were used," he said.

Due to Friday's blasts, police units in Sulu, including the Special Action Force and regional mobile forces are providing support to AFP for target-hardening operations. Ella Dionisio/DMS