Suspect in 2010 Zamboanga airport bombing surrenders

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines – The suspect behind the 2010 bombing of the Zamboanga International Airport – which killed two and injured dozens travellers – surrendered before the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Wednesday March 30.

Addong Salapuddin surrendered to representatives of the NBI in Zamboanga City and faces multiple murder and multiple attempted murder cases before the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court Branch 17.

The suspect was flown to Manila on Thursday morning, were he underwent booking procedures.

In a press conference, Salapuddin said he ended a 5-year run from police due to constant attacks of conscience. Salapuddin added he was only following the orders of an Imam Casim.

“Nakokonsensya ako kaya ako sumuko, pero hindi ako yung nagbomba ng airport,” Salapuddin, who is a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) member, said.

(“I was plagued by my conscience so I surrendered, but I did not bomb the airport.”)

Salapuddin claimed, however, that Casim is already dead. He said the religious leader was stabbed by an unknown attacker.

The NBI will detain the suspect in its main headquarters in Ermita, Manila.

At least two people were killed and 24 others were injured following a bomb blast in Zamboanga City’s airport on August 5, 2010.

Police said the target the was Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, who was among the injured. The suspected bomber, Reynaldo Apilado, and a bystander, Hatimil Haron, were killed in the blast.

Tan previously escaped a roadside bombing in Patikul town.

Ten of Tan’s companions, including a town mayor, were wounded in the roadside bombing, which was blamed on the Abu Sayyaf. – Rappler.com