Cops uncover Abu Sayyaf plot to bomb Zamboanga City mall

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf Group is planning to attack KCC Mall of Zamboanga, the biggest shopping center here, according to the police.

Chief Insp. Joel Tuttuh, spokesperson of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), said they have been receiving persistent intelligence reports on a plan of the ASG to bomb KCC (Koronadal Commercial Corporation).

Tuttuh said that in the past weeks, reports from the intelligence communities showed that the target of a bomb attack would be the target of the KCC mall, “particularly its basement area.”

Tuttuh added that KCC Mall has been lacking in security measures.

“The security is loose…The ASG is not that stupid that they would show protruding wires if they sneak in improvised explosive device,” Tuttuh said.

But Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar immediately sought to prevent panic, saying the police and military have been doing their best to thwart any attack.

She said her government has been coordinating closely with Sulu and Basilan, the known bases of the Abu Sayyaf, “so that they will be able to avert any threat in the city of Zamboanga.”

Salazar said security “is always the concern for the city.”

“That is why we have been working very hard together with the different industries and business sectors for the safety of everyone,” she said.

She said KCC mall has been fully equipped with x-ray machines and K9 units.  SFM