Al Khobar Claims Gensan Bombing

COTABATO CITY, Philippines -- An extortion gang blamed for a series of bombings targeting companies in Central Mindanao has claimed responsibility for Wednesday's explosion in General Santos City that killed four persons and wounded 28 others, an official said Saturday.
Kidapawan City Mayor Rodolfo Gantuangco said he got a call on Thursday from a suspected member of the Al-Khobar gang.

The Al-Khobar gang, which authorities believed has ties to the Islamic extremist Abu Sayyaf group, was blamed for at least a dozen explosions in the region during the last two years. More than two dozen people were killed in series of attacks staged by the group, including last year's Weena Bus bombing in Bansalan, Davao del Sur in which six people were killed and more than 20 others wounded.

Gantuangco, who has publicly acknowledged paying the gang P100,000 in protection money to ensure Kidapawan is not attacked, said he was inclined to believe the caller because he used the same mobile phone number that a certain Nasser Abison used in calling him up in December. Mayor Gantuangco also said he recognized very well the voice to be the same person who used to call him before.

Gantuangco admitted depositing the money in Abison's bank account in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay because he wanted to spare his city from attacks and also to trace the identity of the caller.
During Thursday's call, Gantuangco said the caller claimed the al-Khobar gang carried out Wednesday's explosion at the gates of the Philbest Canning Corp in Bawing, General Santos City.

He said the caller also warned him of similar attacks in the region, including Kidapawan City.
Authorities had said the incident could either be terrorism-related, an off-shoot of a labor dispute or even the result of the company's refusal to heed extortion demands. Philbest officials rejected the extortion and labor angle.

Tacurong tops NDEA inter-area athletic meet

The Tacurong City area was declared champion in the inter-area athletic meet sponosred by the Notre Dame Educational Association (NDEA) which culminated two days ago in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Garnering second place was Koronadal area, Cotabato City area - third, Kidapawan area - fourth, Midsayap area - fifth and Allah Valley area - sixth placer.


Sulu Gov. bats for dismantling of CAFGUs

Gov. Sajur Tan of Sulu has been demanding for the dis-arming and dismantling of the CAFGUs in the province as they had not been effectively utilized for the purpose for which they were created for. The Governor said that iinstead of augmenting the military they only served as private armies for some politicians in most instances.

It was estimated that there are around 6,000 CAFGUs existing in the province of Sulu.


Capt. Faeldon seen in Maguindanao?

Renegade Marine Captain Nicanor Faeldon was reportedly seen in Maguindanao over the past weeks. Capt. Faeldon escaped from imprisonment after he joined the Trillanes flak at the Manila Peniinsula sometime in November last year. He escaped as they were dispersing by disguising as a reporter and allegedly with the aid of a lady reporter whose name has been withheld until now.


Congressman pushes for investigation of Sulu ID system

Congressman Moner Arbison of Sulu's first congressional district is initiating for the investigation of the so-called Sulu ID system being undetaken by the Military. It was also reported that this undertaking had the blessing of SuluGov. Sakur Tan to effectively segregate the rebels from the civilian population.

Congressman Arbison said that while the intention may be good, the way it is being done is potentially violative of basic human rights.


Supt. Dangane calls for stricter regulation of firearm permits

P/Supt Willie Dangane, Cotabato City Police Director, has been calling for stricter regulation of permits issued to firearm holders in the City.Aside from the 'permit to carry', other permits were also issued in the form of Memorandum Orders (MO) and Memorandum Receipts (MR) issued by different militray and PNP units.

He emphasized that these permits shall be issued on strictly highly selective basis. He noted that some criminals apprehended by the police authorities are known to have permits issued by other PNP and ilitary units in the area.

"This is now being used by some uunscrupulous individuals; even persons who are known to be notorious are carrying firearms with permits", Supt. Dangane further said. "This is only aiding criminality in the City".

It should be noted that 10 people were killed, mostly with the use of Cal .45 pistols, in January alone this year.