SunStar: US experts join Koronadal bus bombing probe

Explosives experts from the United States have joined the investigation into Friday's bomb blasts that killed a Protestant pastor and injured several others in a bus terminal in Koronadal City. Sun Star online reported Saturday afternoon that two US military bomb experts inspected the scene of Friday's blasts at Koronadal city in South Cotabato, according to provincial director Sr. Supt. Robert Kiunisala. Kiunisala also said it is possible the incident was the handiwork of extortionists linked to Islamic militants, particularly the Al-Khobar gang. He said the gang called the Yellow Bus Line hours before the incident. The management has suspended its operations of the Yellow Bus Line (YBL) after the incident. Ramon Buriel, YBL's chief of security, said the management will only resume its operation once they reach an agreement with police and military regarding security arrangements. "Unlike in Tacurong City and Isulan town where the military provides agents in our buses, we have problems in other depot, like in Polomolok, Tupi and General Santos," Buriel said. At the same time, he confirmed YBL has been receiving extortion letters and prank calls from the group of Al-cobar, demanding protection money. "The company can't afford to give in into their demands. The management before gave money but another group led by so-called commander, ask again. It will be a big lost for the company," Buriel said. Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato provincial police director, said the Al-cobar gang is demanding two million peso protection money from the bus firm. - GMANews.TV