3 bombing suspects nabbed, says Cotabato mayor

A building is seen on fire after a bomb explosion in Cotabato city, on the southern island of Mindanao on August 5, 2013. AFP Photo

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—Three suspects in the Cotabato City bombing were arrested Tuesday, Mayor Japal Guiani Jr. said.

Guiani said the three were being investigated at the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

He declined to name the suspects but said they were seen on closed-circuit TV (CCTV) video

“We will know soon who’s behind this bombing and the other bombings lately in the city,” said Guiani whose stewardship since 2010 managed to contain kidnap-for-ransom cases and other crimes related to illegal drugs.

Guiani, showing what he said were “top secret” documents inside three brown envelopes, said: “This will unmask the mastermind and other personalities behind the breakdown of law and order in the city.”

He vowed to name them in the future when proper charges have already been filed against them in court, he said of the “powerful group” which he described as “untouchables” because of their alleged connections with powerful people.

Guiani admitted that he and his city administrator sibling Atty. Cynthia Sayadi have been receiving death threats following his election in 2010.

Eight people were killed and at least 40 others hurt when a powerful improvised explosive device, fashioned from a 105-milimeter mortar laced with flammable substance, went off in a car, whose owner has yet to be identified through the Land Transportation Office.

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Cotabato City blast toll up to 8–police

Originally posted at 3:42 p.m.