Bomb makers who eluded arrest behind 2014 Mlang bombings

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Mlang Mayor Russel Abonado was surprised upon learning that one of its town villages, the Barangay Dungu-an, where majority of the constituents living there are Moro settlers became haven of bomb makers, without the village officials knowing it. The mayor was even more shocked when police and military intelligence officials informed him that the father and son bomb makers identified as Anwar and Guiamadel Sandigan, were behind the twin bombing in town in 2014. At least three people died and 24 civilians were hurt when Improvised Explosive Device (IED) made of81mm mortar exploded at the billiard hall near the town plaza las November 23, 2014. on New Year's eve, more than a month after the billiard hall blast, another IED went off near the entrance of the town public market, killing two innocent civilians and injured 37 other market goers. The Mlang PNP have filed charges of multiple murder and frustrated multiple murder against the suspects but failed to arrest them since they were being cuddled with the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) group hiding in the Liguasan marshland.Abonado also disclosed that prior to the raid in Barangay Dunguan,alleged Indonesian looking individuals were seen in the house of the Saligans. However, none of the village officials or the constituents informed the authorities about the presence of the foreign looking individuals in the village. I was shocked. I only learned about the issue following the successful raid that resulted to the confiscation of bomb making materials from the suspected bombmakers’ haven,” Abonado said. Abonado immediately convened theBarangay Dungu-an council and asked their cooperation, especially in monitoring the coming in and coming out of the new faces in the village. He also warned officials and constituents that sanctions will be imposed upon them once they are proven to be coddling criminals. Let us unite in fighting terrorism. Please cooperate by promptly reporting to policeany suspicious looking individuals in your locality,” Abonado said. Abonado also tapped the military to help in securing Mlang by setting up detachment within the Mlang side of the marshland. Police operatives have been dispatched in the thickly populated areas such as the schools, churches, public terminals and even the public market to thwart bombings. Abonado also calls Mlangenos to remain vigilant and calm as authorities are doing everything to ensure safety of all constituents. Checkpoints along the Matalam-Mlang-Makilala-Tulunan stretch have been put upto ensure public safetyfollowing the discovery of bomb making materials in Barangay Dungu-an. I am appealing to our commuters to please cooperate to authorities manning our highways. Let us share our time so that safety of our fellow Mlangenos and your love ones will be ensured,” Abonado stressed.