A 22-year-old man caught shoplifting lobbed a grenade at pursuing bystanders, killing four and injuring 24 in Jolo, Sulu Saturday night.
Chief Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, director of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police, identified the suspect as Sedimar Rabbah, a resident of Barangay Buhanginan in Patikul.
“Our personnel immediately responded in the area and arrested the suspect. He is now under our custody and he be charged,” said Sindac.
Sindac dismissed early report of a terror attack, saying that the suspect has been accused of robbery in the past.
“It was definitely not a terror attack,” he said.
According to police reports, Rabbah entered the Karina Bakeshop and Grocery store at around 7 p.m. pretending to be a customer.
Rabbah was caught taking something out of the grocery and was chased by some bystanders.
Before being cornered, the suspect threw the grenade that exploded and instantly killed Bibing Julaili, 45; Emraida Matlih, 32; and Alnasir Naning, 36.
Twenty four bystanders were hurt and taken to a nearby hospital.
Of the 10 that were admitted, a certain Maruji died while being treated, bringing to four the number of fatalities.
The other victims that were admitted were Almijar Hussin; Sahimar Abubakar, 17; Salamuddin Sarri, 50; Tarhata Lumangkum, 50; Radimar Julailie, 17; Aljimar Daham, 24; Rizal Lansalan, 7; Mimamg Naning, 30; and Alsamir Daham, 15.
(AARON RECUENCO)
