Twin bombings in Jolo a retaliation over arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Susukan, claims terrorism researcher

The twin bombings in Jolo, Sulu on Monday, August 24 are a retaliatory attack over the arrest of Abu Sayyaf leader Anduljihad "Edang" Susukan last week, Dr. Rommel Banlaoi, chair of the Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, claimed on Tuesday.

Banlaoi was referring to Monday’s attack where 15 people died and 55 others got injured when an improvised explosive device placed on a motorcycle went off, and another blast carried out by a supposed suicide bomber happened.

“Based on the documents I have, magkakaugnay ‘yan kasi iyang si Susukan ay main operative ng Abu Sayyaf sa mga kidnap for ransom, bombing operations nila,” Banlaoi said in a Dobol B sa News TV interview, but did not elaborate on the documents he has.

Susukan was arrested from the residence of fugitive Nur Misuari in Davao City—hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte— on August 13 after being fitted with a prosthetic replacement for his severed left arm.

“Malaki ang mensahe nito sa law enforcement authorities: that despite the increased law enforcement activities nila roon even amid the pandemic, na-outsmart sila,” Banlaoi said.

“Dalawang pandemic po ang hinaharap natin, COVID-19 at terrorism. Parehong lethal at virulent,” Banlaoi added.

Banlaoi then said that such attack—placing improvised explosive devices on a motorcycle—is a go-to attack style of the ISIS in war torn countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria.

“Iyan ‘yung nangyari sa Mt. Carmel bombing [sa Jolo] last year; ang ginagamit nila sila Iraq, Afghanistan, Syria. Normal form of attack ‘yan kasi iyang IED, pag nilagay mo sa motor, iyong motor nagiging shrapnel, iyong gasoline ng motor naamplify iyong blasting. Combination ng ammonium nitrate, fuel,” Banlaoi pointed out.

“Hindi na kailangan ng official na statement ng ISIS [na sila ay may gawa], kasi iyong vehicle born IED, iyong female suicide bombing, isa lang ‘yan, ISIS-inspired groups tulad ng Abu-Sayyaf,” Banlaoi added.

Banlaoi then said that Anti-Terrorism law—currently being challenged before the Supreme Court over provisions like the 14 to 24-day detention of a suspect without a warrant—would greatly be of help in going after the perpetrators of the Jolo bombing.

“Makakatulong po talaga ang Anti-Terrorism law kasi bukod sa actual perpetrator, kasama rin [sa krimen] iyong financiers, nagsu-supply ng weapons, nag train ng army, nag-recruit, nag-incite, mastermind, mapapanagot,” Banlaoi said.

“Itong batas ay against terrorism, not against human rights,” Banlaoi added.

But Professor Julkipli Wadi of the UP Institute of Islamic Studies said the future looks bleak even after the passage of Anti-Terrorism law.

“Kailan matatapos ito (bombings)? Walang nakakaalam. Mali ang tanong eh. Ang dapat na tanong, kelan ang susunod? Napansin ko, simula noong Marawi siege, na-divert lang ang terrorism sa ibang lugar. Pang-limang bombing na ito eh.” Wadi said in a Dobol B sa News TV interview.

“Iyang anti-terrorism law, iyang mga kabataan riyan, nasanay na sa violence. Kung violence rin ang gagamitin mo para patahimikin sila, hindi na uubra. Ilang dekada na riyan ang Abu Sayyaf, ilang batas pa ba ang kailangan natin para mapatahimik sila?,” Wadi added.

Wadi said that a more inclusive peace plan is the only way to go.

“Iyang anti-terrorism law, ang target lang niyan, mga kritiko sa urban areas. Kasi bakit ka naman roon manghuhuli sa mga bundok ng Basilan o Mindanao?," Wadi said.

"Ang kailangan natin ng comprehensive na pamamaraan laban sa terrorism, iyong inclusive na peace plan,” Wadi said. -MDM, GMA News