Clash, blasts in Basilan leave 9 dead — officials

(Update 2:50 p.m.) Nine people, including three Marines, were killed in a series of separate explosions and an ambush in the southern Philippine island province of Basilan on Tuesday. Philippine Marines commandant Maj. Gen. Juancho Sabban described the incidents, which happened in Isabela City, as "acts of terrorism," even as authorities have yet to determine the perpetrators. "I think this is to create havoc in that area. I don’t know who the specific targets are but definitely it falls under terrorism, that is to create chaos," Sabban said. He said he could not yet tell if the attacks had something to do with the upcoming May elections, but assured the military was already "on top of things." Police and military officials said there were at least three separate explosions that rocked the province between 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, Basilan provincial police director, said the first blast happened inside a van in front of the Basilan National High School at about 10:30 a.m. Killed in the incident were four civilians and a man in police uniform. Authorities are still verifying if he was indeed a policeman. When responding Marines and policemen rushed to the site, they were fired upon by a group of snipers, numbering between six and 15. Sabban said three Marines were killed while another one was wounded. He refused to identify the fatalities since their families have yet to be informed of the incident. "Initially, the target were civilians... now the responding Marines are the ones being engaged," Sabban said in Filipino. One of the armed suspects was also killed, while another one was wounded in the firefight. About 11 a.m., a second explosion rocked the province, this time in front of the Basilan Cathedral. No one was injured in the second blast. Sabban said the third explosion happened "near the residence of Judge Principe of Isabela." Judge Leo Jay Principe of the Basilan Regional Trial Court Branch 1 was the judge who issued arrest warrants against at least 130 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Abu Sayyaf in 2007 for the killing of 14 Marines, 10 of whom were beheaded. Lt. Stephanie Cacho, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, told GMANews.TV that authorities discovered the third explosive device and were able to "disrupt" the planned attack by detonating it at an isolated area. Asked what type of explosives were used, Cacho said: "They were IEDs, but we still don't have the specs [specifications]." As of posting time, authorities were still investigating the incidents. Navy spokesman Lt. Col. Edgard Arevalo condemned the attacks and urged the locals to report any "unusual" activities in the province. "We condemn this very unfortunate incident where lawless elements have sowed terror and panic among the Basilenos. We call on the people to be particularly vigilant and cooperate with the security forces," he said. — Mark Merueñas/RSJ/LBG, GMANews.TV