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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.”