North Cotabato bombing blamed on ‘extortionists’

LIBUNGAN, North Cotabato – An improvised explosive device went off under two parked vehicles here Friday night, and police said extortionists—not terror groups—were behind it.

The explosion came after grocery store owner Jacky Ondoy ignored repeated demands for him to shell out “protection money,” according to Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, the town’s police chief.

Tayong said the 9 p.m. explosion damaged two trucks owned by Tayong.

“Extortion was the motive,” Tayong told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. “Ondoy recently ignored again a man who called him on the phone and demanded millions in monthly protection money,” he said.

Following the incident, Tayong urged other traders in Libungan to notify the police whenever they receive demand letters or calls.

“Our traders should not give in to the demand of these people because once you do it, they will make you a milking cow,” Tayong said.

He also advised businessmen to take precautionary measures and always coordinate with police and military authorities.

Bomb experts said the improvised bomb was remotely detonated. Investigators said the IED was fashioned from either a 60-mm or 81-mm mortar shell.