Abu Sayyaf claims its member bombed ferry

The Abu Sayyaf has said that a passenger who belongs to their group planted a bomb that caused the destruction of a 10,192-ton steel-hulled ferry that left two dead and 186 missing on Manila Bay last week.

Khaddafy Janjalani, Abu Sayyaf chieftain, identified Arnulfo Alvarado, 33, also known as Abu Muadz, of Pata Island in Sulu province, southern Philippines, adding the latter boarded the Supeferry 14 as passenger 51, with a mission to plant a bomb and destroy the ferry.

"Do they want to know how it happened? I can describe to you the physical structure of Superferry 14. Before the escalator, there was a guard in black uniform without a dog. After the escalator, one can go straight to the Blue Room. It was a tourist class that can accommodate 24 passengers. Passenger 51 is assigned to double deck. Beside the Blue Room was an exit (area)," boasted Janjalani.

A live band played at the eatery which was located at the Blue Room, said Janjalani, adding that he learned about the floor plan of the ferry from the bomber. "He (Alvarado) said he got in because the security measures were not strict. Then he said, 'I am embracing the bomb. I am ready. I'll go ahead," narrated Janjalani, adding that Alvarado meant he was "ready to go to heaven because he was a freedom fighter."

Muadz's ticket number was 24633972, said Janjalani, adding the former was also bound for Bacolod, in central Philippines. The alleged bomber had just undergone a spiritual course called the "Amaliya Istishhadiya," which could make him seek death and martyrdom. It was a hint that the bomber had also died.

"A select number of men and women have volunteered to undergo that course and Alvarado was just one of the pioneer students," Janjalani said, adding he was the instructor of the said course.

Officers of William, Gothong and Aboitiz, owner of the ill-fated ferry, confirmed that a certain Arnulfo Alvarado was included in the ship's manifest. Records showed that Arnulfo's ticket number was similar to the data released by Khaddafy in identifying their group member who was allegedly responsible for the bombing.

Earlier, Abu Soliman, the Abu Sayyaf spokesman, said the group's Ahai (or Al Harakatul Al Islamia) is currently responsible for his group's terror activities in the country. "All real freedom fighters in Mindanao from various groups are involved in this operation. We have supporters. Ahai is supported," said Soliman.

He said this when asked if the Abu Sayyaf Group is part of the Jemaah Islamiyah, the alleged Southeast Asian wing of the Al Qaida network.

However, Southern Command chief Lieutenant General Roy Kyamko said, "There was no bomb material inside the cabin where the said passenger had planted the bomb."

"What happened was not a terrorist act. Superferry 14 suffered from human error," Kyamko concluded.

Kyamco also blamed the Abu Sayyaf chieftain and spokesman for having claimed responsibility for the ferry disaster. "They just wanted to show that their group is still a force to reckon with," explained Kyamco.

Tight security in our ports will be maintained to effectively screen out terrorists or bombs from our ships," assured President Gloria Arroyo, after giving a gag order on the claims of the Abu Sayyaf group.

The Senate and the House of Representatives called for investigation of the incident. They said the sinking of Superferry 14 was not only a case of mismanagement but also a security issue.