MNLF behind Sulu bombing? It’s unfair to speculate, Palace says

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. INQUIRER FILE

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang on Monday said it would not enter into the “realm of speculation” and would rather wait for the investigation as the government goes after those behind the brazen attack in Jolo, Sulu.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo issued the remark when asked if the government believed that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Nur Misuari’s group, was behind the attack that killed at least 20 people and hurt 111 others.

READ: Jolo twin blasts death toll reaches 25, with 111 others injured

The Jolo bloodshed came less than a week after a plebiscite voted to ratify the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) that will grant wider self-rule to the Muslim minority in the South. The BOL is the product of the government’s negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway faction of the MNLF.

Sulu, which is a known turf of Misuari, voted against the ratification of BOL.

“As I’ve said, we cannot enter into the realm of speculation. It would be unfair and (it’s) not good to be speculating,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

“I know that Nur Misuari wants federalism better than BOL but he didn’t oppose it actively, in fact he was non-committal with respect to the plebiscite,” he added.

Malacañang earlier said that Misuari would not be a threat to the BOL.

READ: MNLF’s Nur Misuari not a threat to BOL – Palace

The military said the Abu Sayyaf could be behind the Jolo bombing.

Earlier, the Abu Sayyaf pledged allegiance to the Islamic State, which has claimed responsibility for the attack.

“One terrorist group is claiming responsibility for that but we are waiting for the investigation, who’s behind it and what group or individuals,” he said. /cbb