Hundreds of families were forced to flee their homes in Patikul, Sulu after the military launched operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group following last Sunday morning’s cathedral blast in Jolo, Sulu that left 21 people dead and more than 100 others, mostly churchgoers, injured.
Myrna Jo Henry, information officer of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said evacuees from two barangays in Patikul sought refuge in safer areas for fear of being caught in crossfire between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf fighters.
“Based on the report that we received, there are currently 350 families that were displaced. These are already being attended to,” said Henry.
The military launched two airstrikes in possible lairs of the extremist group in the jungles of Patikul after President Duterte declared an all-out war against the Abu Sayyaf.
The Abu Sayyaf was tagged as responsible for the twin blasts that hit the Mount Carmel Cathedral while mass was ongoing.
Ground operations, backed by heavy artillery, were also initiated.
Sulu was placed under lockdown as authorities try to seal off all the escape routes of those responsible in the bombings.
The four persons of interest who were caught in the closed circuit television were cleared following their surrender to air their side regarding the incident which was being linked to them.
“They were already removed from the list of persons of interest. They went to the police and gave testimonies proving that they had nothing to do with the bombing,” said Senior Supt. Bernard Banac, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police.
“Upon verification, it was found that they were telling the truth,” he added.
Banac said the pursuit operations continue against a certain “Kamah” who was tagged as responsible for the bomb attack. Kamah was able to escape when authorities raided his lair.
Banac confirmed that the joint special investigation group is eyeing suicide bombing during the cathedral blast.
“Based on the investigation, there was no crater found in the blast site so this angle is being pursued. So it is possible but the investigation continues,” said Banac.
President Duterte announced that the cathedral blast was perpetrated by suicide bombers, which Banac said they recognize since the President has a wide network of intelligence. (Aaron Recuenco)