Coordinated Blasts in Philippines Kill Seven, Wound More Than 100

[Tsiyu]

By Richard C. Paddock and Al Jacinto, Special to The LA Times


ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Three bombs apparently planted by Islamic militants exploded in the southern Philippines and the Manila financial district Monday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 100.

The extremist Abu Sayyaf group, best known for its high-profile kidnappings of foreigners, claimed responsibility for the blasts, calling them a "Valentine's gift" for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.


"Our latest operations — planned and executed with precision by the gallant warriors of Islam — is our continuing response to the Philippine government's atrocities committed against Muslims everywhere," said Abu Solaiman, an Abu Sayyaf leader, in a phone call to a radio station. "We will find more ways and means to inflict more harm to your people's lives and properties."

The bombs, which exploded within an hour of one another, were apparently in retaliation for a government crackdown on Muslim rebels on the southern Philippine island of Jolo, long a militant stronghold.

more:

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-philbombs15feb15,1,5007498.story?coll=la-headlines-world&ctrack=1&cset=true

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