MNLF faction denies hand in Davao blasts
Police rushed to SM City Davao past 9 p.m. Monday night following an explosion at a cinema inside the mall. A mall-goer likened the blast to a container van falling inside the mall. Another mall-goer, meantime, said he heard a loud explosion then immediately asked a security guard, who was clueless about what happened. Based on police investigation, an improvised explosive device was detonated inside cinema 1. No one was injured, but the blast damaged the ceiling and some lights. While police were still investigating the incident, another explosion rocked the Gaisano Mall. An IED was placed under a seat in cinema 5. Five people were rushed to the hospital but were immediately released after receiving medical aid. Police suspect one group is behind the twin explosions. The chief of the Davao City Police office said high explosives were used but there was no shrapnel. Police recovered a keypad from a cellphone which may have been used as a detonator. The PNP admits receiving a threat that bombs would be set off inside cinemas in Davao City. Rolando Ulamit, the commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Davao City, went to Gaisano Mall to deny any involvement by their group. - Mornings@ANC, 17 September 2013