Cotabato blast suspect in custody

Authorities on Tuesday reported that one of the two suspects in the recent bombing of a Cotabato City mall is now under custody, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) Soccsksargen Regional Director Chief Superintendent Eliseo Rasco.

The suspect, identified as Salipudin Pasandalan, a 56-year-old native of Maguindanao, was reported to have been turned over by his relatives after his photo was seen on television and has been tagged as one of the perpetrators of the blast.

Salipudin Pasandalan, the prime suspect of the New Year’s Eve bombing of South Seas Mall in Cotabato City surrenders to the authorities. PNP photo Pasandalan allegedly served as the lookout of another cohort who left the improvised explosive device (IED) in front of South Seas mall on 31 December, which claimed two lives and injured at least 34 others.

The suspect, on the other hand, denied the accusation.

An investigation is ongoing and the police have yet to pinpoint the motive behind the bombing incident.