3 former government officials involved in S. Philippine airport bombing to face charges

Philippine's three former government officials allegedly involved in plotting last month's bombing at the international airport terminal in the southern Philippine city of Zamboanga were to face charges.

Edwin Corvera, Mindanao regional police commander, told media Saturday they are waiting for the court's issuance of warrants against Former Sulu 1st District Congressman Munir Arbison, former Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldiza, and former Pangutaran Mayor Ahmad Nanoh who were blamed in the bombing on Aug. 5. that left two people dead, including the bomber, and injured over 22 others, including Sulu Governor Sakur Tan..

Corvera said their four witnesses claimed that the three former officials plotted three plans on how to assassinate the Sulu governor.

The supposed schemes include a car bomb and the last year's roadside bombing on the governor's convoy where Tan survived the attack.

"Our witnesses took part in the planning stage," he said.

Corvera said police have submitted additional information to the Department of Justice including the three former government officials. Multiple frustrated murder and attempted murder charges were slapped against the three suspects.

Accordingly, the airport bombing was part of the third plan.

Tan, who sustained a scratch in the rib, said earlier that he was likely the target of the explosion and military officials agreed. Tan was on the way out of the airport's arrival area when the improvised bomb went off.

The bomb was put inside the bag of Reynaldo Apelado, the bomb carrier, when it exploded.

Source:Xinhua