DAVAO CITY -- The Police Regional Office 12 (PRO 12) is looking into the possibility of extortion behind the bomb explosion at the back portion of a Yellow Bus Line in Koronadal City, South Cotabato on Thursday noon (May 26).
PRO 12 regional director Brig. Gen. Alexander C. Tagum said in an interview that the management revealed during the investigation that the company received an extortion threat coming from an armed group in Southern Mindanao.
Tagum did not reveal the name of the group which allegedly asked money from the bus company. He added that the police have continued to conduct a probe to resolve the case.
He said the PRO 12 already formed a Special Investigating Task Group led by its deputy regional director for operation Col. Faro Antonio Olaguera and South Cotabato Police Provincial Office director Col. Nathaniel Villegas along with other law enforcement agencies in the area for immediate identification of the suspects.
Tagum said he also directed the Provincial and City Directors to deploy bus marshals in all key bus terminals and to intensify their security measures in all areas of convergence.
At the same time, he implored the cooperation of the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police or security unit.
“To the people of Region 12, especially to those who frequently commute and go around public places, we ask that you raise your awareness and vigilance against suspicious elements and other articles in your surroundings,” said Tagum.
“In view of the aforementioned incident, please call the attention of the nearest police station and stay at a reasonable distance," he said.
Tagum said the PRO 12 condemned the terror attack in Koronadal City where a tricycle driver and his passenger were injured by a blast that occurred in the rear portion of Yellow Bus Line.
He added that police authorities are already on full alert mode to strengthen our local defense against terrorism and deliver the immediate justice for the victim.
"For the security and safety of everyone, let us stay vigilant and equip ourselves with the right knowledge from reliable sources of information,” he said.