GOVT BLAMES MILF FOR KORONADAL BLAST

Koronadal City, May 12, 2003 - - Interior Secretary Joey Lina on Sunday 

said all indications point to the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation 

Front as behind the bomb blast here which killed nine persons and wounded 

40 others on Saturday.

Gov. Daisy Avance-Fuentes blamed the poor intelligence network of the 

police and the military.

"The bomb attack could have been prevented if the police and military 

intelligence units were not remiss on their jobs", Fuentes said.

"We can just immediately put the blame on the MILF, but we must be specific 

in identifying the perpetrators of the bombing," she said.

Senior Supt. Romeo Rufino, South Cotabato police director, said probers are 

looking at the group of MILF commander Abu Solaiman who allegedly demanded 

P3 million from Mayor Fernando Miguel in exchange to sparing the city from 

terror attacks.

Lt. Gen. Rodolfo Garcia, AFP vice chief of staff and spokesman, said it is 

possible that the MILF or the Abu Sayyaf were behind the blast.

"Wala pa talagang siguradong evidence pointing to the MILF although the 

MILF and the ASG are the suspects. But we can't be sure as this is still 

being investigated," said Garcia.

He said it is very likely that secessionist rebels were behind the blast 

because of the MILF's "capability" and involvement in "previous (bombing) 

incidents."

Bella Lechonsito, provincial social welfare officer, said the death toll 

may increase with 10 victims reported to be in critical condition.

Soldiers recovered Sunday a second homemade bomb at a public market around 

8:30 a.m. near the Adalin store also in this city.

Police have released a cartographic sketch of the second suspect who was 

last seen roaming the explosion site on a tricycle. Police described him as 

at least 5'4, medium-built and dark complexioned.

The first suspect was believed to have died during the explosion.

Police said there was also a third suspect who was seen in the tricycle 

with the second suspect.