July 2009 Mindanao bombings
Encyclopedia
The July 2009 Mindanao bombings was a series of seemingly unrelated bomb attacks that took place on the 4th, 5th, and 7th of July 2009 in the towns and cities of Datu Piang
, Cotabato
, Jolo
, and Iligan
on the southern Philippine island group of Mindanao
that killed more than 7 people and injured at least 66.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines
has blamed several militant organizations active in Mindanao, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
, the Abu Sayyaf
, and Jemaah Islamiyah
.
The Roman Catholic Church
, along with Pope Benedict XVI
, has condemned the initial attack while a statement from the MILF said that that attack was done by "heartless people" and called for an independent investigation to determine who was responsible. They further said that "there's no religious conflict in the south" and "we're fighting for our right of self-determination". A press secretary
to President
Macapagal-Arroyo expressed confidence that the bombing would not collapse peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.
The incidents have led several members of the opposition to comment that these attacks may be related to a possible plan by the government to place the country in emergency rule, alluding to the days of Martial Law
by the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos
, while others have commented that they may be in preparation to heighten security amid the State of the Nation Address by President Arroyo which may restrict demonstrations and protest. The government has rejected these claims and says that they are assessing the situation. Security has been increased in Metro Manila
, where the capital is located, as well as other areas of the country, particularly in Mindanao
. The UN Development Program, meanwhile, announced that it is suspending its operations for refugees in the south a day after the incidents.
, a bomb exploded at approximately 8:50 a.m. in Cotabato City
near a lechón
food stall
across the street from the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception during Sunday Mass
as a military truck drove by,
killing five people and injuring up to 55 more.
The dead included at least one member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit
(according to initial police reports, two soldiers standing guard near the cathedral
were killed by the blast), a street food
vendor
, and a three-year-old boy. Five soldiers were injured in the explosion. A sixth victim, an injured infant
, died later in hospital.
According to Philippine Army
spokesman Colonel
Jonathan Ponce, the bomb consisted of a mortar
shell
and was detonated remotely by mobile phone
. Witnesses reported that the cathedral did not sustain significant damage. Security forces arrested a man suspected of having placed the bomb shortly after the attack. The man was arrested while carrying a second device into the cathedral, according to police.
The military laid the blame for the bombing on rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF),
a secession
ist Islamic organization in the southern Philippines.
However, MILF leader Mohaqher Iqbal denied that the militant group carried out the attack, stating:
The attack drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Church
, including from Pope Benedict XVI
, Philippine government officials, and the MILF. Archbishop
Orlando Quevedo, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato
, decried the bombing as "not just a crime, [but] a sacrilege" and called for prayer
"for the conversion of the bombers". A spokesperson for the MILF, Eid Kabalu, condemned the attack by "heartless people" and called for an independent investigation to determine who was responsible. Cerge Remonde, press secretary
to President
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
, expressed confidence that the bombing would not collapse peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.
on the southern Philippine island of Sulu. An improvised explosive device
(IED) which was placed "inside" a motorcycle, according to Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela of the Philippine National Police
—detonated in downtown Jolo at 7:55 a.m. outside a hardware store
and killed six people. The store's owner was one of the fatalities. Approximately 40 people were injured in the explosion. It exploded about 100 metres (328.1 ft) from the Mount Carmel Church and, according to Gucela, police discovered two other unexploded devices within a similar radius around the church. Lieutenant Colonel
Edgard Arevalo, a spokesman for the Philippine Navy
, reported that most of those wounded in the blast were in critical condition
. Arevalo also indicated that, according to initial reports, locals had notified police of a parked motorcycle with wires connected to it, and that the explosion came as police were responding. Public officials in Jolo suspended classes out of fears that additional attacks could follow. The authorities later qualified that there were only two fatalities not six.
Approximately two to three hours after the blast in Jolo, a bomb exploded in Iligan City
on Mindanao
in a car parked near a pawnshop, injuring between seven and thirteen people (including up to three soldiers), but causing no deaths. The bomb exploded next to a Philippine Army
"mini-cruiser"; however, Lt Col Juvymax Uy suggested that the soldiers "were likely not the target of the blast".
The attacks in Jolo and Iligan came two days after a blast in Cotabato City
near a Roman Catholic cathedral
were blamed on the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF), but the military "ruled out the possibility" that the bombings were related. Major General
Juancho Sabban identified the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is based in Jolo, as being the most likely perpetrators of the attack in Jolo, while noting that Iligan is located in an area "affected" by the MILF. Sabban indicated that investigators are also considering Jemaah Islamiyah
as possible culprits.
However, Eid Kabalu, the civil-military affairs chief of the MILF was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer
as saying, “We tend to believe former House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s view that this is part of a national grand design leading to a military takeover" of the country due to ongoing apprehensions over ruling party congressmen's continuing efforts to form a constituent assembly
to amend the Constitution and extend President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
's rule. In the interview, Kabalu pointed out the bomb attacks' not being confined to Mindanao as “a very clear sign” backing the “grand design” theory. He assailed the military for pinning the bomb attacks on the MILF.
reward was offered for anyone that could information that would lead to the arrests of the bombers.
On July 8, the United Nations Development Program announced that it had to halt its feeding program to the island's estimated 340,000–578,000 refugees displaced due to recent fighting between the government and rebel forces. Security, meanwhile, was increased all over the archipelago, particularly in Metro Manila
and its financial center, Makati
.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles
has stated that "regardless of creed or religion and political inclinations, we all must act to end these series of criminal acts". On the other hand, Bayan Muna
representative Teddy Casiño said that the only one benefiting from the situation is the President's administration, further stating that "The lack of conclusive information... reinforces the suspicion that either there is a failure of intelligence or the obfuscation is deliberately orchestrated to divert the public's attention from the... threat of emergency rule". These statements follow the appearance of allegations that the government has the intention of reinstating Martial Law
, similar to that of Ferdinand Marcos
in 1972.
The bombings, incidentally occur within days of a visit by of CIA
chief Leon Panetta
, who will be meeting with President Arroyo about the country's security relation with the United States
, particularly about the current situation of the U.S. military presence in the south. They also precede the final State of the Nation Address on 27 July by the Philippine president before ending her term which led several opposition senators
to comment that these attacks may be a ploy to heighten security in the capital, restricting possible protests and demonstrations against her.
Datu Piang, Maguindanao
On July 30, 2009, upon the ratification of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Acts No. 225 and MMAA 222 , the municipalities of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Salibo, respectively, were created from a total of 5 entire barangays and portions of 10 barangays from Datu Piang, in addition to other barangays...
, Cotabato
Cotabato City
The City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
, Jolo
Jolo, Sulu
Jolo is a municipality on the island of Jolo, and the capital and largest town of the province of Sulu. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 87,998 people in 12,814 households. Part of its population is of Chinese descent, mainly from Singapore...
, and Iligan
Iligan City
The City of Iligan is a highly urbanized industrial city north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, and the province's former capital. It is approximately 795 kilometers southeast of Manila...
on the southern Philippine island group of Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
that killed more than 7 people and injured at least 66.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines
Armed Forces of the Philippines
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is composed of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force...
has blamed several militant organizations active in Mindanao, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic militant groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that are fighting against Government of the Philippines...
, the Abu Sayyaf
Abu Sayyaf
Abu Sayyaf also known as al-Harakat al-Islamiyya is one of several military Islamist separatist groups based in and around the southern Philippines, in Bangsamoro where for almost 30 years various Muslim groups have been engaged in an insurgency for an independent province in the country...
, and Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiah , is a Southeast Asian militant Islamic organization dedicated to the establishment of a Daulah Islamiyah in Southeast Asia incorporating Indonesia, Malaysia, the southern Philippines, Singapore and Brunei...
.
The Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, along with Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
, has condemned the initial attack while a statement from the MILF said that that attack was done by "heartless people" and called for an independent investigation to determine who was responsible. They further said that "there's no religious conflict in the south" and "we're fighting for our right of self-determination". A press secretary
Press secretary
A press secretary or press officer is a senior advisor who provides advice on how to deal with the news media and, using news management techniques, helps their employer to maintain a positive public image and avoid negative media coverage....
to President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Macapagal-Arroyo expressed confidence that the bombing would not collapse peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.
The incidents have led several members of the opposition to comment that these attacks may be related to a possible plan by the government to place the country in emergency rule, alluding to the days of Martial Law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
by the former dictator Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
, while others have commented that they may be in preparation to heighten security amid the State of the Nation Address by President Arroyo which may restrict demonstrations and protest. The government has rejected these claims and says that they are assessing the situation. Security has been increased in Metro Manila
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
, where the capital is located, as well as other areas of the country, particularly in Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
. The UN Development Program, meanwhile, announced that it is suspending its operations for refugees in the south a day after the incidents.
Datu Piang and Cotabato
Following a bomb that exploded the night before in the nearby town of Datu PiangDatu Piang, Maguindanao
On July 30, 2009, upon the ratification of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Acts No. 225 and MMAA 222 , the municipalities of Shariff Saydona Mustapha and Datu Salibo, respectively, were created from a total of 5 entire barangays and portions of 10 barangays from Datu Piang, in addition to other barangays...
, a bomb exploded at approximately 8:50 a.m. in Cotabato City
Cotabato City
The City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
near a lechón
Lechon
Lechón is a pork dish in several regions of the world, most specifically Spain and its former colonial possessions throughout the world. The word lechón originated from the Spanish term leche ; thus lechón refers to a suckling pig that is roasted...
food stall
across the street from the Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception during Sunday Mass
Mass (liturgy)
"Mass" is one of the names by which the sacrament of the Eucharist is called in the Roman Catholic Church: others are "Eucharist", the "Lord's Supper", the "Breaking of Bread", the "Eucharistic assembly ", the "memorial of the Lord's Passion and Resurrection", the "Holy Sacrifice", the "Holy and...
as a military truck drove by,
killing five people and injuring up to 55 more.
The dead included at least one member of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit
Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit
The Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit, variously called Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit, Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit and commonly referred to by its acronym CAFGU is an irregular auxiliary force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.-Creation:The CAFGU was created on July...
(according to initial police reports, two soldiers standing guard near the cathedral
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
were killed by the blast), a street food
Street food
Street food is ready-to-eat food or drink sold in a street or other public place, such as a market or fair, by a hawker or vendor, often from a portable stall. While some street foods are regional, many are not, having spread beyond their region of origin. Most street food are both finger and fast...
vendor
Hawker (trade)
A hawker is a vendor of merchandise that can be easily transported; the term is roughly synonymous with peddler or costermonger. In most places where the term is used, a hawker sells items or food that are native to the area...
, and a three-year-old boy. Five soldiers were injured in the explosion. A sixth victim, an injured infant
Infant
A newborn or baby is the very young offspring of a human or other mammal. A newborn is an infant who is within hours, days, or up to a few weeks from birth. In medical contexts, newborn or neonate refers to an infant in the first 28 days after birth...
, died later in hospital.
According to Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
spokesman Colonel
Colonel
Colonel , abbreviated Col or COL, is a military rank of a senior commissioned officer. It or a corresponding rank exists in most armies and in many air forces; the naval equivalent rank is generally "Captain". It is also used in some police forces and other paramilitary rank structures...
Jonathan Ponce, the bomb consisted of a mortar
Mortar (weapon)
A mortar is an indirect fire weapon that fires explosive projectiles known as bombs at low velocities, short ranges, and high-arcing ballistic trajectories. It is typically muzzle-loading and has a barrel length less than 15 times its caliber....
shell
Shell (projectile)
A shell is a payload-carrying projectile, which, as opposed to shot, contains an explosive or other filling, though modern usage sometimes includes large solid projectiles properly termed shot . Solid shot may contain a pyrotechnic compound if a tracer or spotting charge is used...
and was detonated remotely by mobile phone
Mobile phone
A mobile phone is a device which can make and receive telephone calls over a radio link whilst moving around a wide geographic area. It does so by connecting to a cellular network provided by a mobile network operator...
. Witnesses reported that the cathedral did not sustain significant damage. Security forces arrested a man suspected of having placed the bomb shortly after the attack. The man was arrested while carrying a second device into the cathedral, according to police.
The military laid the blame for the bombing on rogue elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic militant groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that are fighting against Government of the Philippines...
(MILF),
a secession
Secession
Secession is the act of withdrawing from an organization, union, or especially a political entity. Threats of secession also can be a strategy for achieving more limited goals.-Secession theory:...
ist Islamic organization in the southern Philippines.
However, MILF leader Mohaqher Iqbal denied that the militant group carried out the attack, stating:
The attack drew condemnation from the Roman Catholic Church
Roman Catholic Church
The Catholic Church, also known as the Roman Catholic Church, is the world's largest Christian church, with over a billion members. Led by the Pope, it defines its mission as spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, administering the sacraments and exercising charity...
, including from Pope Benedict XVI
Pope Benedict XVI
Benedict XVI is the 265th and current Pope, by virtue of his office of Bishop of Rome, the Sovereign of the Vatican City State and the leader of the Catholic Church as well as the other 22 sui iuris Eastern Catholic Churches in full communion with the Holy See...
, Philippine government officials, and the MILF. Archbishop
Archbishop
An archbishop is a bishop of higher rank, but not of higher sacramental order above that of the three orders of deacon, priest , and bishop...
Orlando Quevedo, head of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato
Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato
The Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Cotabato is an ecclesiastical territory or diocese of the Roman Catholic Church in the Philippines. Cotabato is the Archdiocese in the Province of cotabato, on the island of Mindanao.-History:...
, decried the bombing as "not just a crime, [but] a sacrilege" and called for prayer
Prayer
Prayer is a form of religious practice that seeks to activate a volitional rapport to a deity through deliberate practice. Prayer may be either individual or communal and take place in public or in private. It may involve the use of words or song. When language is used, prayer may take the form of...
"for the conversion of the bombers". A spokesperson for the MILF, Eid Kabalu, condemned the attack by "heartless people" and called for an independent investigation to determine who was responsible. Cerge Remonde, press secretary
Press secretary
A press secretary or press officer is a senior advisor who provides advice on how to deal with the news media and, using news management techniques, helps their employer to maintain a positive public image and avoid negative media coverage....
to President
President of the Philippines
The President of the Philippines is the head of state and head of government of the Philippines. The president leads the executive branch of the Philippine government and is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines...
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
, expressed confidence that the bombing would not collapse peace negotiations between the government and the MILF.
Jolo and Iligan
Another bomb attack that took place on 7 July 2009 in JoloJolo, Sulu
Jolo is a municipality on the island of Jolo, and the capital and largest town of the province of Sulu. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 87,998 people in 12,814 households. Part of its population is of Chinese descent, mainly from Singapore...
on the southern Philippine island of Sulu. An improvised explosive device
Improvised explosive device
An improvised explosive device , also known as a roadside bomb, is a homemade bomb constructed and deployed in ways other than in conventional military action...
(IED) which was placed "inside" a motorcycle, according to Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela of the Philippine National Police
Philippine National Police
The Philippine National Police is the national police force of the Republic of the Philippines. It is both a national and a local police force in that it does provides all law enforcement services throughout the Philippines...
—detonated in downtown Jolo at 7:55 a.m. outside a hardware store
Hardware store
Hardware stores, sometimes known as DIY stores, sell household hardware including: fasteners, hand tools, power tools, keys, locks, hinges, chains, plumbing supplies, electrical supplies, cleaning products, housewares, tools, utensils, paint, and lawn and garden products directly to consumers for...
and killed six people. The store's owner was one of the fatalities. Approximately 40 people were injured in the explosion. It exploded about 100 metres (328.1 ft) from the Mount Carmel Church and, according to Gucela, police discovered two other unexploded devices within a similar radius around the church. Lieutenant Colonel
Lieutenant colonel
Lieutenant colonel is a rank of commissioned officer in the armies and most marine forces and some air forces of the world, typically ranking above a major and below a colonel. The rank of lieutenant colonel is often shortened to simply "colonel" in conversation and in unofficial correspondence...
Edgard Arevalo, a spokesman for the Philippine Navy
Philippine Navy
The Philippine Navy is the naval arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Filipino is Hukbong Dagat ng Pilipinas, literally, "Sea Force of the Philippines"....
, reported that most of those wounded in the blast were in critical condition
Critical Condition
Critical condition is a medical state.Critical Condition may also be:* Critical Condition , an episode of the television series Sex and the City* Critical Condition , a 1987 comedy film...
. Arevalo also indicated that, according to initial reports, locals had notified police of a parked motorcycle with wires connected to it, and that the explosion came as police were responding. Public officials in Jolo suspended classes out of fears that additional attacks could follow. The authorities later qualified that there were only two fatalities not six.
Approximately two to three hours after the blast in Jolo, a bomb exploded in Iligan City
Iligan City
The City of Iligan is a highly urbanized industrial city north of the province of Lanao del Norte, Philippines, and the province's former capital. It is approximately 795 kilometers southeast of Manila...
on Mindanao
Mindanao
Mindanao is the second largest and easternmost island in the Philippines. It is also the name of one of the three island groups in the country, which consists of the island of Mindanao and smaller surrounding islands. The other two are Luzon and the Visayas. The island of Mindanao is called The...
in a car parked near a pawnshop, injuring between seven and thirteen people (including up to three soldiers), but causing no deaths. The bomb exploded next to a Philippine Army
Philippine Army
The Philippine Army is the ground arm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines . Its official name in Tagalog is Hukbong Katihan ng Pilipinas. On July 23, 2010, President Benigno Aquino III appointed Maj. Gen...
"mini-cruiser"; however, Lt Col Juvymax Uy suggested that the soldiers "were likely not the target of the blast".
The attacks in Jolo and Iligan came two days after a blast in Cotabato City
Cotabato City
The City of Cotabato is one of the cities of the Philippines located in Mindanao. Cotabato City is an exclave of the SOCCSKSARGEN region found within the boundaries of Maguindanao province, but is independent of that province...
near a Roman Catholic cathedral
Cathedral
A cathedral is a Christian church that contains the seat of a bishop...
were blamed on the separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front
Moro Islamic Liberation Front
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is an Islamist group located in the southern Philippines. It is one of two Islamic militant groups, the other being the Abu Sayyaf, that are fighting against Government of the Philippines...
(MILF), but the military "ruled out the possibility" that the bombings were related. Major General
Major General
Major general or major-general is a military rank used in many countries. It is derived from the older rank of sergeant major general. A major general is a high-ranking officer, normally subordinate to the rank of lieutenant general and senior to the ranks of brigadier and brigadier general...
Juancho Sabban identified the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is based in Jolo, as being the most likely perpetrators of the attack in Jolo, while noting that Iligan is located in an area "affected" by the MILF. Sabban indicated that investigators are also considering Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiyah
Jemaah Islamiah , is a Southeast Asian militant Islamic organization dedicated to the establishment of a Daulah Islamiyah in Southeast Asia incorporating Indonesia, Malaysia, the southern Philippines, Singapore and Brunei...
as possible culprits.
However, Eid Kabalu, the civil-military affairs chief of the MILF was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer
Philippine Daily Inquirer
The Philippine Daily Inquirer, popularly known as the Inquirer, is the most widely read broadsheet newspaper in the Philippines, with a daily circulation of 260,000 copies. It is one of the Philippines' newspapers of record...
as saying, “We tend to believe former House Speaker Jose de Venecia’s view that this is part of a national grand design leading to a military takeover" of the country due to ongoing apprehensions over ruling party congressmen's continuing efforts to form a constituent assembly
2009 Constituent Assembly of the Republic of the Philippines
The 2009 Constituent Assembly of the Republic of the Philippines will be the joint meeting of both houses of the Congress of the Philippines which consists of the House of Representatives and the Senate that will propose amendments to the Constitution of the Philippines following the passage by the...
to amend the Constitution and extend President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo
Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is a Filipino politician who served as the 14th President of the Philippines from 2001 to 2010, as the 12th Vice President of the Philippines from 1998 to 2001, and is currently a member of the House of Representatives representing the 2nd District of Pampanga...
's rule. In the interview, Kabalu pointed out the bomb attacks' not being confined to Mindanao as “a very clear sign” backing the “grand design” theory. He assailed the military for pinning the bomb attacks on the MILF.
Aftermath
The government held an emergency meeting immediately after the incidents to assess possible implications while a one million pesoPhilippine peso
The peso is the currency of the Philippines. It is subdivided into 100 centavos . Before 1967, the language used on the banknotes and coins was English and so "peso" was the name used...
reward was offered for anyone that could information that would lead to the arrests of the bombers.
On July 8, the United Nations Development Program announced that it had to halt its feeding program to the island's estimated 340,000–578,000 refugees displaced due to recent fighting between the government and rebel forces. Security, meanwhile, was increased all over the archipelago, particularly in Metro Manila
Metro Manila
Metropolitan Manila , the National Capital Region , or simply Metro Manila, is the metropolitan region encompassing the City of Manila and its surrounding areas in the Philippines...
and its financial center, Makati
Makati City
The City of Makati is one of the 17 cities that make up Metro Manila, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. Makati is the financial center of the Philippines and one of the major financial, commercial and economic hubs in Asia...
.
House Speaker Prospero Nograles
Prospero Nograles
Prospero C. Nograles is the former Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Philippines. He was elected as the Speaker of the House on February 5, 2008, the first ever elected Speaker from Mindanao in a hundred years in Philippine legislative history...
has stated that "regardless of creed or religion and political inclinations, we all must act to end these series of criminal acts". On the other hand, Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna
Bayan Muna is a leftist political party in the Philippines.The motto of the party is "New Politics, the Politics of Change", against "traditional, elitist, pro-imperialist politics". Its platform includes the advocation of a government that progressively supports the working class, with meaningful...
representative Teddy Casiño said that the only one benefiting from the situation is the President's administration, further stating that "The lack of conclusive information... reinforces the suspicion that either there is a failure of intelligence or the obfuscation is deliberately orchestrated to divert the public's attention from the... threat of emergency rule". These statements follow the appearance of allegations that the government has the intention of reinstating Martial Law
Martial law
Martial law is the imposition of military rule by military authorities over designated regions on an emergency basis— only temporary—when the civilian government or civilian authorities fail to function effectively , when there are extensive riots and protests, or when the disobedience of the law...
, similar to that of Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Marcos
Ferdinand Emmanuel Edralin Marcos, Sr. was a Filipino leader and an authoritarian President of the Philippines from 1965 to 1986. He was a lawyer, member of the Philippine House of Representatives and a member of the Philippine Senate...
in 1972.
The bombings, incidentally occur within days of a visit by of CIA
Central Intelligence Agency
The Central Intelligence Agency is a civilian intelligence agency of the United States government. It is an executive agency and reports directly to the Director of National Intelligence, responsible for providing national security intelligence assessment to senior United States policymakers...
chief Leon Panetta
Leon Panetta
Leon Edward Panetta is the 23rd and current United States Secretary of Defense, serving in the administration of President Barack Obama since 2011. Prior to taking office, he served as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency...
, who will be meeting with President Arroyo about the country's security relation with the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, particularly about the current situation of the U.S. military presence in the south. They also precede the final State of the Nation Address on 27 July by the Philippine president before ending her term which led several opposition senators
Senate of the Philippines
The Senate of the Philippines is the upper chamber of the bicameral legislature of the Philippines, the Congress of the Philippines...
to comment that these attacks may be a ploy to heighten security in the capital, restricting possible protests and demonstrations against her.