The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has started its probe on the series of bus bombing attacks in Mindanao after two people were injured in two separate explosions last May 26.
In a statement, the Bureau detailed that a public utility bus was bombed at Koronadal City, wounding two civilians. Reportedly, Yellow Bus Line, Inc. (YBLI) reported that they received an extortion demand before the attack.
On the same day, a roadside explosion transpired at Exit Road, Brgy Calean, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Fortunately, no one was injured.
Both incidents add up to the total of six bombing attacks on bus lines in Mindanao since 2019 with a total of 5 fatalities which includes a five-year-old boy.
NBI Director Eric Distor instructed all NBI Regional Directors to take part in the investigation along with NBI’s Forensic Investigation Service (DDFIS) headed by Ferdinand Lavin and Deputy Director for Intelligence Service (DDIntS) Roel Bolivar.
In photo: NBI Director Distor presiding a meeting regarding the probe in Mindanao
The Commission of Human Rights has released a statement on Friday, June 3 condemning the attacks.
CHR strongly condemns these incidences of violence and indiscriminate bombings, which run counter to the principles of international humanitarian law. CHR reiterates its strong condemnation against any act of armed rebellion that seek to terrorize and sow discord into the lives of people. These attacks run counter to peace and security efforts of the government and is inimical to the country’s national development, read CHR’s statement.
List of Bus Bombing Incidents recorded by NBI (2021)
- January 7, 2021 – a hoax bomb threat and extortion demand being sent to YBLI Koronadal City, South Cotabato office. At the time of the call, YBL bus no. 2688 was at Kidapawan, Cotabato Overland Terminal and was searched by PNP EOD. The emplaced improvised explosive device (IED) was found thereat and was rendered safe. Footage taken from the YBL Bus no. 2688 CCTV camera showed two male passengers leaving the IED inside the bus.
- January 27, 2021 – a bomb exploded in YBLI bus no. 2988 at a stop over at National Highway, Crossing Sibsib, Tulunan, North Cotabato. One (1) civilian was killed and four (4) civilians were wounded in the incident. Extortion and terrorism were the motives of the bombing according to the military.
- June 3, 2021 – YBLI bus no. A-104 was burned at M’Lang, North Cotabato, killing three (3) civilians while six (6) others were injured.
List of Bus Bombing Incidents recorded by NBI (2022)
- January 11, 2022 – a Mindanao Star bus was bombed in Aleosan, North Cotabato where a five-year-old boy expired and three (3) individuals got injured.
- April 24, 2022 – a bus of Rural Tours Bus exploded in Parang, Maguindanao hurting at least three (3) passengers.
- May 26, 2022 – a YBLI bus (no. 2108) was bombed at Koronadal City, wounding two civilians. Reportedly, YBLI received an extortion demand before the attack.
- May 26, 2022 – a roadside explosion took place at Exit Road, Brgy Calean, Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the incident. Extortion and terrorism are the motives of the bombing based on information gathered.
The Bureau’s probe on the series of bombings is aimed to ensure national security as well as to prevent possible major attacks not only in Mindanao but also in the entire country.
