Military dismisses IS’S claim on Sulu blasts as ‘propaganda’

THE Arab-based Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the twin suicide bombings in Jolo, Sulu, on Monday, a pronouncement dismissed by the military as mere “propaganda.”

“It is only a propaganda...to become famous. That is part of their strategy, to claim whatever it is,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the Sulu-based 11th Infantry Division.

Army chief Lt. General Cirilito Sobejana said the suicide bombings

in Jolo that killed 15 people, including eight soldiers and wounded 74 others, 48 of whom are civilians, were carried out by two women whom he identified as alias Nanah and Indanay.

Sobejana said Nanah was the wife of Norman Lasuca, the ASG member radicalized by the IS who carried out the suicide bombing on the headquarters of the Army’s 1st Brigade Combat Team in Indanan, Sulu, in July last year.

On the other hand, Indanay was the wife of Abu Talha, who died in November last year during a firefight with Army Scout Rangers, also in Sulu.

Sobejana said Nanah was from Basilan, while Indanay was from Sulu but later relocated to Tawi-tawi.

The twin attacks, which occurred near and within the thickly populated plaza of Jolo at Barangay Walled City, were claimed by the IS, according to Us-based SITE Intelligence.

The group, which had been monitoring pronouncements from the IS, reported that Is-southeast Asia Province was responsible for the attacks.

Gonzales said the suicide bombings were carried out by the ASG although he acknowledged that the local terrorist group has linked itself to the IS.

The ASG, notably the faction of Commander Isnilon Hapilon figured prominently in the attack of Marawi City in 2017 by the IS. Hapilon died during the siege as the head of the IS in Southeast Asia.

Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gilbert Gapay condemned the twin attacks and vowed to “exact justice on the perpetrators.”

“No sensible religion or ideology would ever endorse these hapless attacks,” he said.

“The Abu Sayyaf Group will not deter...or shake our resolve to bring an end to their violence. Our troops on the ground continue to be on high alert to deter similar attacks. Combat and intelligence operations were also ramped up to pursue those responsible,” Gapay said.

In Eastern Mindanao, Lt. Gen Jose Faustino Jr. has directed the commanders of line units to ramp up their security operations to prevent the possible spillover of the incident in different areas within his operational jurisdiction.

“The command is also working closely with its adjacent military units and law-enforcement agencies, especially with the Philippine National Police to stay on top of the situation to ensure the maximum safety of the public,” he said.

The Jolo bombing incident, meanwhile, has prompted the Department of Transportation (DOTR) to enforce tighter security measures at all key transportation facilities and installations that include ports, airports, terminals, including the riding public.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade instructed the Office of Transportation Security to implement varying security levels across the country, which are:

■ Security Condition 2 in all airports in Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao;

■ Security Level 1, with enhanced security in all seaports in Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao; and

■ Security Level 1, with enhanced security in all land mass transportation facilities in Metro Manila, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

OTS, for its part, encouraged all transport agencies to enhance security/target-hardening measures.