No indicator Cotabato blast linked to Al Qaida - Aquino
MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III has not seen any indicators that the car bomb explosion that killed at least eight people in Cotabato City is linked to the terrorist group Al Qaida.
Speaking to the media after the welcoming program for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz in Subic, Zambales, Aquino said he will meet with the Cabinet Security cluster to discuss the bombing in Cotabato City that killed eight people.
Aquino said investigators are not ruling out all angles and their inquiry includes terrorism, political, and criminal groups.
“Talagang ang mga terrorist by their nature, iilan lang sila, tagong-tago. Pero palagay ko mahahanap rin natin sila in the near future.”
A powerful bomb apparently rigged to a vehicle exploded in Cotabato City on Monday afternoon, killing at least eight people and injuring some 30 others, including policemen.
The bomb exploded as a bulletproof vehicle, carrying the Cotabato City administrator, was passing by.
The official was unharmed but two of her police bodyguards in a security van were killed, officials said.
Prior to the fatal incident, the United States issued a global alert against the Al Qaida.
The explosion also occurred while the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front are trying to forge a final peace agreement.
Aquino said there are groups who want to derail the ongoing peace process.
“Huwag nating kalimutan na meron talagang mga ilang sektor na ayaw magpatuloy ‘yung ating peace process. At siguro, talaga namang pinaghahandaan ito, pero talagang magiging imposible na nandoon tayo parati sa lahat ng lugar, sa lahat ng oras para maprevent lahat ito,” he said.
Meanwhile, Vice President Jejomar Binay condemned the bombing and called for an immediate investigation.
“I strongly condemn the bombing in Cotabato City that claimed innocent lives. I call on the Cotabato police to do a thorough investigation and arrest the perpetrators at the soonest. The victims and their families deserve swift justice,” Binay said.