PNP looking into possible intelligence lapses in Mindanao bombings

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is looking into possible lapses of intelligence units following the the recent bombings in Mindanao, its official said Thursday.

In a statement, PNP director for operations Police Major General Valeriano de Leon said PNP officer-in-charge Police Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. has ordered regional directors to investigate the matter.

“Our [PNP OIC Danao] has ordered our regional directors to continuously conduct thorough investigation on said incidents to find out if there are lapses in the intelligence units and personnel,” he said.

“We cannot sacrifice that every day we suffer bombs in your respective areas o baka meron mas magaling na kailangan humalili doon sa mga commanders (or there are better personnel who can replace the commanders),” he added.

Currently, De Leon said the Police Regional Office 9 is conducting an assessment if there were lapses in the intelligence-gathering and implementation of security measures in Isabela City, Basilan.

On Monday, two people were injured after explosions hit a parking lot near a fast-food chain and a motor pool of a bus company in Isabela City, the police said.

On May 26, a tricycle driver was hurt in an explosion inside a bus in Koronadal City, South Cotabato. Another explosion at a vacant lot was reported in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat on the same day.

De Leon ordered regional police offices to intensify the security measures in their areas to prevent similar incidents.

A special investigation task group has been established to determine the motive and the perpetrators of the bombings, according to the police official.

Experts have already been tapped to identify the persons who created the explosive devices used in the bombings, he added.

Based on initial assessment, De Leon said the possible motives behind the recent attacks are to disrupt businesses and to give exposure to local terror groups in the area. — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA News