Kiamba Mayor calls for community vigilance

KIAMBA, Sarangani (September 15, 2008) – Mayor Rom Falgui is calling for cooperation and vigilance among constituents to bring to justice perpetrators of an explosion at the poblacion public market at noon Sunday (September 14).

The blast left no casualty and was "probably meant to terrorize" the community, according to Lt. Col. Edgardo De Leon, commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion.

The military said the bombing could be a diversionary tactic.

At the time of the blast, De Leon's men were conducting long-range patrols in Maasim against armed men who attacked Maasim poblacion last month that resulted to the killing two innocent civilians.

"I also want to tell those groups or individuals who planned for this that they did not succeed in sowing fear to the people of Kiamba who continue to embrace peace and justice," said Falgui.

"I believe that justice will be quickly served for this incident," the mayor added.

The military said that the perpetrators had a motive of sowing terror by planting the explosive in a public location.

An eyewitness said a man in blue motorcycle placed a carton box beside Nene Variety Store adjacent to Julius Plastic Ware and immediately left.

The stores were closing half-day after noon on Sundays.

Julius Plastic Ware owner Fernando Palmes said it was an hour later when he left the store that the explosion took place.

"Hindi ko alam kasi wala naman akong kalaban at wala naman akong kagalit na tao (I don't know because I don't have an enemy or grudges with anyone," Palmes said.

Police estimated property damage at P100,000.

"We are now on combat alert status," town police chief Alex Joe Orcajada said.

"We ask the people to calm down because your police authorities and the military are here and we are on alert. We need your cooperation to report to us any suspicious elements so that we can protect you," the police officer said.

The explosion came from yet an undetermined type of bomb, according to Explosives and Ordnance Division team from General Santos City.

"Let us continue our effort of preparing a better future for our children and our beloved municipality. Amidst the trouble we are facing today, let us draw strength from each one of us. Despite our differences in religion, let's help each other in prayer," Falgui said. (SARANGANI INFORMATION OFFICE)