19-6-2024 (MANILA) authorities have launched an investigation into a bomb explosion that marred the joyous celebration of the 17th anniversary of Lamitan’s cityhood in Basilan. The incident, which occurred mere hours after the city’s mayor declared Lamitan to be free from the clutches of the notorious Abu Sayyaf militant group, has cast a pall over the festivities and raised concerns about the region’s security.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Arlan Delumpines, the Lamitan City police chief, the improvised explosive device detonated around 6:47 pm at a gasoline station in Barangay Matibay, leaving a 20-year-old passerby injured. In response, security forces were swiftly deployed to conduct mobile patrols, particularly in areas known to be frequented by criminal elements, while troops manning checkpoints were ordered to remain vigilant.
Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman promptly condemned the bombing, directing authorities to identify and bring those responsible to justice. Delumpines revealed that investigators suspect the explosion may be linked to an extortion attempt, as the gas station’s owner had informed the police of receiving an extortion letter in May.
Crime scene investigators recovered crucial evidence from the blast site, including a blasting cap, a nine-volt battery, and powder residue – remnants of the improvised explosive device. A day after the incident, police announced that they had identified “persons of interest” from CCTV footage, a critical step in building their case.
The explosion cast a dark shadow over the city’s festivities, occurring mere hours after Lamitan Mayor Roderick Furigay declared the city free from the dreaded Abu Sayyaf during his State of the City Report (SOCR) on Tuesday morning. Furigay, who chairs the city’s Task Force to End the Local Armed Conflict (TF-ELAC), appealed to Lamiteños to remain calm and vigilant, assuring them that authorities remained in control of the situation.
Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade, hailed Furigay’s declaration as a result of collaboration among the security sector, the city government, barangays, and concerned citizens. However, he acknowledged that it also serves as a challenge for the security forces to sustain the hard-won gains.
“We are committed to continuing our mission to ensure peace and security in this city,” Luzon affirmed.
Lamitan’s history has been marred by the specter of Abu Sayyaf, with the city thrust into the spotlight on June 2, 2001, when militants seized a church and a hospital, taking priests, medical staff, and patients hostage. However, Lieutenant Colonel Mark Serapion Lagud Jr., commander of the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion, recently stated that they have identified no Abu Sayyaf member originating from Lamitan City, dismissing them as mere “lawless elements claiming to be one Abu Sayyaf.”
