Tacurong City under heightened security after bus blast: PNP

“The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the shameful attack on civilians on board a passenger bus in Tacurong City this morning that killed one person and wounded 11 others in what can only be described as the handiwork of criminal minds,” he added. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA – The city of Tacurong in Sultan Kudarat is now under tight security in the aftermath of an improvised explosive device (IED) attack inside a bus on Sunday that killed one and wounded 11 others.

In a statement Sunday night, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. said police and military security forces have been deployed across the city to find leads and step up pursuit operations against the perpetrators of the attack.

“The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the shameful attack on civilians on board a passenger bus in Tacurong City this morning that killed one person and wounded 11 others in what can only be described as the handiwork of criminal minds,” he added.

First responders focused on immediate evacuation for medical care of the wounded, and disposition of the dead, he added,

“Police explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) responders are on-site to conduct post-blast investigation and ensure that there is no more threat of any secondary explosion. We do not want to make premature conclusions as to the motive and suspects behind this crime without the benefit of evidence-based investigation, but we are not discounting the possibilities of historical data of criminal motive behind similar attacks in the past,” Azurin said.

He also assured the people of Central Mindanao that the full might of the PNP and the government will be used to arrest these criminals so that justice will be served and the rule of law prevails.

Meanwhile, Azurin commended the PNP-Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group along with Search-and-Rescue Police Service Dogs under the stewardship of acting director Col. Albert Magno on their deployment in Maguindanao last Nov. 5.

The 12-member search-and-retrieval teams extend police assistance, especially to the members of the Teduray ethnic community in Maguindanao who have been recently affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.

“I appreciate your hard work, professionalism, dedication, and commitment, especially during this challenging time. Let us continuously serve as beacons of hope and vanguards of humanitarian action in the interest of national security and public safety” Azurin said.