Fear grips Central Mindanao cities as bomb threats haunt
by CL Cardona
Cotabato City (11 October) -- While the administration is serious in its effort to have the legislators finally pass the anti-terror Bill in both houses, violence, some described by authorities as act of terrorism continue to inflict serious damage to limbs and properties in some parts of the archipelago.
As the nation supports the call, residents of Central Mindanao region were overtaken in disbelief the resurgence of the bombing incidents that gripped the populous towns of Makilala and Tacurong City.
Yesterday, residents were stunned by two powerful blasts occurring about 5 hours apart in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat province, and Makilala town in North Cotabato province.
An improvised explosive device made of 01 millimeter bomb exploded at around 12:00 noon at the public market of Tacurong seriously injuring 4 persons, with no casualties were reported. Authorities blamed the attack as a handiwork of Jemaah Islamiyah.
At about sundown on the same day, a powerful blast rocked the residents of Makilala town who were out to celebrate the 52nd Foundation Anniversary of their town.
The blast killed 6 innocent people and injured 29 other who were immediately brought to different hospitals and clinics.
A similar explosive device that went off in Tacurong City was used in the Makilala blast.
North Cotabato Governor Emmanuel Piņol, in an interview over local and national radio outfits strongly condemned the attack and warned the perpetrators that the provincial government will never be cowed by their tactics and will put up resistance if necessary. (PIA 12) [top]
