1 killed as bomb hits Mangudadatu convoy

(Updated 7:17 p.m.) One person was killed while seven others were wounded when a car bomb exploded along the national highway in Sultan Kudarat on Monday. The attack was believed to be targeting the convoy of Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Toto" Mangudadatu. Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the directorate for integrated police operations in Western Mindanao, said the explosion hit a black Toyota Fortuner (LGU 933), which was owned by one Datu Russman Sinsuat and part of Mangudadatu’s convoy. “Five passengers on board were wounded. One tricycle driver and a bystander were also hit," Khu said, citing field reports. Mangudadatu, in a phone interview, said one of the casualties was a board member in Maguindanao. “May namatay sa kasamahan namin. May tatlong sugatan, yung isang board member ko, kasama ko, Russman Sinsuat at saka yung anak nya naputulan ng paa." Khu identified the lone fatality as Raffy Parenas. Those injured, meanwhile, were Sinsuat, his son and namesake Russman Sinsuat Jr., Bebot Barabarang, Noble Abdullah, Mabang Antonio Algaba, Richard Sonza and Robert Formacion. Mangudadatu said the car bomb was just 10 to 15 meters away from their convoy, which he said was composed of 10 vehicles. He said he was not hurt because his vehicle was bulletproof. Mangudadatu gained national prominence when his wife and two sisters, along with 54 others, were killed in the infamous November 23, 2009 massacre in Maguindanao province. The carnage was blamed on the Mangudadatus’ rival clan, the Ampatuans. Khu said the car bomb — a white Kia Pride (MDJ 274) and owned by one Maureen Macasindil — was parked in front of Cherubin Methodist Center along Alunan Avenue, a national highway. Malacañang immediately condemned the assassination attempt on Mangudadatu. “We condemn the attempted assassination of Maguindanao Governor Toto Mangudadatu in the strongest terms. The attack, which claimed one life and left several wounded, comes at a time when the Peace Process and efforts to achieve justice for the victims of the Maguindanao Massacre are moving forward," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said. “Attempts such as this one can only serve the ends of the enemies of peace, stability and prosperity in ARMM," he added. Lacierda said that Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo has already informed Palace officials that there are initial leads in the investigation. “The ownership of the car that was blown up has been identified. The authorities will pursue all leads with vigor," he said. — KBK, GMA News