Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has said Talitay Vice Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal of Maguindanao and three others are now being investigated for alleged involvement in the recent bombing in Davao City that killed at least 14 persons and injured 60 others.
Aguirre said Sabal, along with wife Mohanna Sabal, bodyguard Nasser Maulana and driver Norodin Abas were presented for inquest to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday following their arrest at the Cotabato City airport.
He said the four suspects faced possible charges of illegal possession of firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs.
“The filing of criminal charges will be determined by Tuesday,” said Aguirre in a text message to Inquirer. “Complaint is for illegal possession of firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs.”
READ: Maguindanao vice mayor nabbed for drugs being linked to Davao blast
Aguirre said the hearing was moved to Tuesday since “the respondents have no lawyer during the inquest proceedings.”
DOJ state prosecutor Gino Santiago said the suspects were turned over by the PNP Saturday morning for inquest proceedings.
The bombing in Davao has prompted foreign embassies led by US and Britain to issue heightened travel warning to their citizens, citing there is threat of terrorist attacks in Mindanao provinces and across Manila.
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