Philippines Radio Station Bombed

IFEX- News from the international freedom of expression community

ALERT - PHILIPPINES

19 September 2000

Radio Station Bombed

SOURCE: Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Quezon City

(CMFR/IFEX) - The DXWO radio station was bombed on the night of Wednesday 13 September 2000, in Pagadian City, in North Cotabato, a province in Southern Philippines. Pagadian Police Chief Maj. Dionisio Perdiguez and three witnesses said they saw two men leaving a black bag, presumably containing the improvised bomb, shortly before the explosion. The bomb exploded at around 7:00 p.m. (local time) near the radio station's door, on the fourth floor of the Aderico Optical Building.

The blast was followed by another explosion forty-five minutes later at a shop, also in Pagadian City. Witnesses claim two unidentified persons on a motorcab tossed a bomb at the shop. No injuries were reported. The motives for the bombings have yet to be established. Rebels from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have been tagged as suspects in both bombings.

The attacks are part of a series of bombings that have occurred since fighting between the military and the MILF began in May after peace negotiations failed.

For further information, contact Roselle Miranda or Melinda Quintos de Jesus, Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR), Unit 2 No. 9 Twin Peaks Drive, Blue Ridge B, Quezon City, Philippines 1110, tel: +63 2 438

5728, fax: +63 2 647 0945, e-mail: cmfr@surfshop.net.ph, Internet: http://www.cmfr.com.ph

The information contained in this alert is the sole responsibility of CMFR. In citing this material for broadcast or publication, please credit CMFR.

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