Major General Eduardo Año. Noy Morcoso lll/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—After Tuesday’s explosion in General Santos City that wounded seven people, the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Wednesday tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as suspect in the blast.
Major General Eduardo Año, 10th Infantry Division Commander, said the group might have connections with international terrorist Basit Usman.
On Tuesday, an improvised explosive device was detonated at the Dr. Jose Rizal Monument, Plaza Heneral Santos, General Santos City at 7:45 p.m. that wounded seven people.
Initial reports said the victims were Sarah Alquiza, Christian Paul Amimong, Jay Magnanao, Marlon Bajada, Joan Michel Cayanes Abranilla, James Ralph Abrea and Geraldine Elon who sustained minor injuries.
“It’s probably that the group wants to make their presence felt by the people and it’s also probably related to extortion,” Año said.
“This should be treated as an isolated case, since for a long time, there has not been anything happening in that place.”
He said the attack “wasn’t really designed to inflict maximum casualties,” noting that it took place in the evening when people are at home and the plaza is nearly empty.
He added that all the victims were treated of their wounds and are in stable condition.
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