Task Force ZIA (Zamboanga International Airport) yesterday pointed to a former congressman and two ex-mayors of Sulu as allegedly behind the August 5, 2010 bombing at the arrival area of the local airport that killed two people and injured 25 others including Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan.

Quoting and citing results from the task force’s investigation of the bombing, Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Edwin Corvera mentioned during a press conference the names of Sulu former congressman Munir Arbison, Pangutaran former mayor Ahmad Nanoh and Maimbung, Sulu former mayor Najib Maldisa as the alleged main planners of the bomb attack that targetted Gov. Tan who just alighted from a PAL plane that arrived from Manila.

Criminal Investigation and Detection Group director Sr. Supt. Edwin Diocos said his office has already filed cases of multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder and violations of R.A. No. 9516 better known as illegal possession of explosives in court against the three former Sulu politicians. Also included in the charge sheet are Hadji Maulana Omar of Sta. Catalina, this city, Jojo Adam, Munir Alih and Munir Hajirul.

“This is an ordinary filing of the case in court where there is going to be preliminary investigation and court hearing. We are waiting for the court to issue the warrants of arrest so we can effect the arrest of the suspects,” Diocos pointed out.

Corvera said the investigation prospered because the police have in custody four witnesses who testified they too were part of the plot to kill Tan when it was hatched in 2008.

Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) deputy director Sr. Supt. Francisco Cristobal revealed the four witnesses are under their custody but refused to mention their whereabouts for security reason.

Aside from the alleged planners, Task Force ZIA earlier identified the first suspects who were directly involved in the airport bombing as Addong Salahuddin, Allan Sabuddin, a John Doe and the two bombers who were killed in the explosion identified as Reynaldo Apilado and Hatimil Harun Yacob.

Asked if the announcement was premature since no warrant of arrest has been issued by the court yet against the former Sulu politicians, Corvera said ‘’As of this time the suspects already know that it is only a matter of time that they will be finally identified.”

According to Corvera, although Cocoy Tulawie had been identified as one of the suspects in the attempt to kill Tan on May 13, 2009 when the governor’s convoy was bombed in Patikul Sulu, there is no evidence that could link Tulawie in the airport bombing.

Diocos also said the plan to kill Tan by the alleged masterminds were borne out of alleged personal grudge and not purely politically motive.

Also present in the press briefing were City Police Director Sr. Supt. Edwin de Ocampo and PRO 9 PIO Supt, Jose Bayani Gucela.