Authorities still verifying perpetrator behind Basilan van explosion

Philippine authorities are still verifying the identity and affiliation of the perpetrator behind the deadly van explosion that killed at least 10 people in the southern region of Mindanao.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque on Friday said the government is not jumping to any conclusions as to who orchestrated the bombing in Lamitan City, Basilan even as a terror group has claimed responsibility for the incident.

“I still have to get a final investigation report from law enforcement agencies. We are still not verifying that this was an ISIS attack. Authorities are still verifying,” Roque said in a press briefing in Bukidnon.

“It’s very easy to claim foreign attack but we’re not concluding anything yet because the investigation has just started,” the spokesman said.

Roque also appealed to the public to “cease and desist from making speculation” on who may have masterminded the bombing in Lamitan City.

On the other hand, Roque said that authorities “deserve praise for their early action leading to the arrest of one personality who may be involved in the bombing.”

As of posting, Philippine authorities have detained a “person of interest,” a 58-year old Islamic preacher, on charges of illegal possession of explosives.

Ustadz Jainul Mallaning Indalin was turned over to police in Lamitan City after soldiers reportedly found a grenade inside his house at Barangay Maganda, adjacent to Barangay Bulanting where the explosion occurred.

Indalin, however, denied any involvement in the attack.   /vvp