Wednesday, November 26, 2014

ASG suspect in new bombing charged in court


Zamboanga City: Frustrated murder charges were filed against an Abu Sayyaf member who was tagged as the main suspect in an explosion in a massage parlor early this month.

The said explosion at the De Luxe Massage and Karaoke Bar in downtown Zamboanga injured a K-9 and his handler during a survey of the premises.

ZCPO spokesperson Supt. Ariel Huesca named the suspect as Muammar Askalani, also known as “Abu Ramy,” a resident of Jolo Sulu.

Police believe it was Askalani’s main intention to put out into action bomb personnel who would rush to the scene of the crime during such incidents.

ZCPO said Askalani was definitely identified by four witnesses based on an ASG rogues gallery presented by police.

Askalani was reportedly recognized by a witness as the one who purchased the rice container where the device was placed. 

Another witness also said Askalani ordered softdrinks from the bar attendant and later left the rice container inside the establishment.

A report from the Western Mindanao Command said the explosion may have been an ASG diversionary tactics to thwart ongoing military operations in the provinces of Basilan and Sulu.