Republic of the Philippines

National Police Commission

PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE
SULU POLICE PROVINCIAL OFFICE
Camp PSSupt Julasirim Ahadin Kasim
Asturias, Jolo, Sulu

SPPOPIDMU-
MEMORANDUM

FOR : REGIONAL DIRECTOR, PRO BAR

FROM : Officer in-Charge

SUBJECT : Investigation Report re: Suicide Bombing at Paradise

Food Plaza and at Motorcycle Shop, Jolo, Sulu

DATE : September 7, 2020

==============================================================

I– AUTHORITY:

1. Verbal Instruction of the Provincial Director;

2. Spot Report, Jolo MPS dated August 24, 2020;

3. Letter Order Nr 2654 PPO-Sulu September 9, 2019 with subject SITG

Paradise;

4. Standard Operating Procedures.

II – MATTERS INVESTIGATED:

5. To determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the two (2)

bombing incidents that transpired on August 24, 2020 at Jolo, Sulu.

6. To further determine the identity of the suicide bomber and those other
conspirators.

III – FACTS OF THE CASE:

7. On August 24, 2020, two (2) bomb explosion stunned the already
volatile situation town of Jolo, Sulu. Initial investigation revealed that the first
explosion happened at around 11:53 AM along Serantes St. fronting Paradise Food
Plaza, while the second explosion transpired at around 1:00 PM fronting a
motorcycle shop along the corner of Sanchez St and Garcia St. The two (2) incidents
resulted in multiple deaths and injuries including undetermined amount of properties
damage. (Spot Report dated August 24, 2020, Jolo MPS attached as annex)
 8. Based on the initial account from the witnesses, a group of Army
personnel along with their two (2) military vehicle, a KM450 and M35 parked in front
of Paradise Food Plaza, were busy loading goods on their vehicle, when an alleged
person borne improvised explosive device (PBIED) exploded just between the said
military vehicle, instantly killing several military personnel and civilians, including the
alleged carrier.

9. Responding to the incident, the PNP and AFP quickly proceeded to the
area to conduct rescue operation and to set-up a police line. The wounded persons
were immediately rushed to a separate nearby hospital. Further, EOD personnel
from AFP and PNP conducted a clearing operation for a possible secondary device.
A team of SOCO also proceeded to the crime scene to conduct SOCO processing.

10. At OOA 1:00 PM of that same day, while the PNP and the AFP
personnel were securing and assessing the crime scene, and started gathering
evidence, another alleged PBIED exploded approximately 200 meters from the first
site, killing two (2) military personnel and wounding seven (7) PNP and several
civilians. One of the police personnel from SAF suffered a fatal wound and
eventually died at the hospital while undergoing emergency medical treatment.

11. During the conduct of Crime Scene and Post Blast Investigation, the
SOCO team and EOD personnel were able to recover pieces of evidence; metal
fragments believed to be shredded parts of the bomb container; partially burned
cloths, human flesh and limbs scattered around the crime scene, burned cellphone
and some other personal things. Photographs were taken, the evidence were
collected and processed to determine the material used in bomb making. Recovered
human flesh was sent to Davao City for DNA Analysis.

12. In an immediate response to the aftermath, a Special Investigation

Task Group (SITG) was formed pursuant to Letter Order Nr 2654, spearheaded by
PCOL MICHAEL C BAWAYAN, Officer in-Charge of Sulu PPO as SITG Supervisor,
to facilitate the conduct of a thorough and in-depth investigation of the events.
Personnel from SPPO, CIDG-9, Jolo MPS, SAF, PCLO, EOD were selected as part
of the task group.

13. A combined team of investigators were dispatch to the blast site and to
other areas to conduct further assessment and to gather more evidence. Affidavits of
the witnesses and victims/survivors were taken in support for the subsequent filing of
criminal actions for “MULTIPLE MURDER” and “MULTIPLE FRUSTRATED
MULTIPLE MURDER”, and CIVIL DAMAGES for the property lost against those
who may be found responsible for the bombing. Personnel from Provincial Mobile
Force Company (PMFC) and 52nd SAC-SAF in coordination with the AFP were
mobilized to secure the area during the case build-up and/or until further notice. Intel
personnel from Provincial Intelligence Branch were dispatch to gather information
regarding the identity of the suicide bombers and other possible
suspects/conspirators involved, including any possible link of the incident to the
previous bombing incident, in coordination with the intelligence unit from AFP.

14. Based on a CCTV footage obtained by the Investigator which captured

the events preceding the first explosion. It shows a yellow tricycle that emerged from
a lane between Rizal Park and Notre Dame Commercial Building, drove its way
across Serantes St. and stop in front of Chilyn Pharmacy, Serantes St. A woman
passenger alighted, walked towards the group of the army personnel who were
engrossed themselves in their tasked, then suddenly an explosion transpired.
Likewise, it can be seen in the footage that after the passenger descended, the
tricycle took an immediate U-TURN, apparently in haste, revved across Serantes St.,
run counter with the flow of traffic before exiting to the lane to whence it came just
before the bomb exploded.

15. Thereafter, elements from SPPO, Jolo MPS, CIDG-9, PMFC and SAF
immediately conducted a manhunt operation against the driver of the tricycle.
However, he voluntarily presents himself to Jolo MPS upon learning that he was
being implicated in the bombing. He is now considered one of the witnesses to the
case.

16. The investigators were able to obtain another video footage from GO
TEK LENG Store, which accordingly, was obtained by the military and was only
shown to the PNP later. However, the video footage was incomplete as barely 2
minutes before the 2nd explosion, the CCTV camera malfunctioned. Likewise, a letter
of Request was sent to the military asking for a copy of the footage of CCTV camera
that they themselves installed at the Helen’s Lodge and Restaurant, but, still no copy
of video footage nor any reply was received by the investigator. (Letter of Request
attached as annex “”)

17. But most telling is the absent of a CCTV camera, or as the military
claimed, has not been use for a week before the incident. The Jolo Cathedral is
located along the same street of the 2 nd SOE with a distance of approximately 100
meters and parallel to Serantes St. with a distance of about 50 meters to the 1 st
SOE. If only functional, it can capture the view of the street all the way the location of
the 2nd SOE. It is vital that the CCTV camera to be fix as part of a security measure
considering that the Cathedral has been a major target in the past by the terrorist
group. And to recall another similar situation; during the Jolo Cathedral Bombing
back in 2018, the CCTV camera placed inside the Cathedral which could record the
events of the incident was also disconnected and, according to the Priest, it has
never been used. Just imagine a place that has been extremely guarded but has no
CCTV camera installed. Nowadays, with the advent of technology, such
characteristics can be considered contrary to human nature. The military exactly
knew the significant of a CCTV camera judging from their action when they quickly
facilitate the taking of the footage from the GO TEK LENG Store. And they have
done it without coordinating with the local police, thus, In utter disregard of some
well-established protocol involving crime investigation.

18. In the executed affidavit of AL-HADZMEL ABDURASAL ADJAWIE,

one of the witnesses and the driver of the tricycle who transported the alleged
suicide bomber to its final destination, at around 11:30 AM, MOL, while he was on
his way to downtown Jolo after transporting his passenger to Brgy. Bus-Bus, a
woman wearing an “abaya” beckoned him to stop along the vicinity of Home Décor,
Port Area, Brgy. Walled City then asked him to convey her to Chilyn Pharmacy along
Serantes St. Accordingly, he was able to notice that the woman was wearing some
object underneath her dress which it appears bulky from the outside linen of the
dress. Upon arrival at their destination, just several meters from the Paradise Food
Plaza, the woman handed him a Php 50 and walked straight forward towards it.
Thereafter, he took a U-Turn, revved across the Serantes St and moments later he
suddenly heard a very loud explosion. (Judicial Affidavit of witness marked as
annex “”)

19. In the executed Affidavit of GASFAR S HASSAN, another vital

witness, he averred that more than a week before the incident, on August 15, 2020
at around 3:00 PM, he was on his way to a depth well to fetch, approximately 200
meters from their house, when he chance upon an armed group led by MUDZRIMAR
SAWADJAAN @ MUNDI SAWADJAAN who was having a meeting. Considering that
he was local and some of the members of the group were his childhood friend, the
group did not pay attention to him. While thereat, he was able to hear and witness
MUDZRIMAR SAWADJAAN talking about how the top leaders of ISIS was asking
about the group’s plan of carrying out an attack by PBIED in the town of Jolo,
specifically targeting any military personnel. He also saw the two (2) woman who
would later be the alleged suicide bomber. He also recognized two (2) male person
identified as MANNUL SAWADJAAN and MADZMAR SAWADJAAN having an
isolated conversation with SAWADJAAN. These two individuals were later seen by
another witness, ALVIN U BENSAR, at the Dennis Snack House minutes before the
first explosion occurred (pls. refer to paragraph 19 below). (Judicial Affidavit of
witness marked as annex “”)

20. In the Judicial Affidavit executed by ALVIN USMAN BENSAR, also a

witness, he averred that at around 11:40 AM, he saw three (3) persons, 2 males and
a female was having a conversation at the vicinity of Dennis Snack Place. He
overheard from them talking about a bomb will explode in a moment. The female,
wearing a black abaya dress about 5’2’’ to 5’4’’ in height, was to be the second
suicide bomber. The female was told that in any event she was to proceed with the
planned and approached any responding military personnel then discharged the
explosive. The witness was able to notice that the female looks bulky as if she was
wearing something underneath her long black abaya. During the taking of the
statement of the witness, a list of photos of suspected Abu Sayyaf was shown to hm
and asked to identified if the three (3) persons he had seen was on the list, and to
which he confirmed in the affirmative. The two (2) male he saw which he identified in
the photo that was shown to him were also the two (2) male seen by witness in a
meeting in Brgy. Tanum on August 15, 2020 who was talking to Mundir Sawadjaan.
(Judicial Affidavit of witness marked as annex “”)

21. In the Judiicial Affidavit executed by BRYAN JOSHUA ALABATA

TAN, he averred that they were in their restaurants, Leng’s Restaurant, when the
first explosion occurred which caused panic among them including their customer.
He saw person near their restaurant which seems to have sustained an injuriy
caused by the explosion. He beckoned the person to come inside their restaurant,
however, a female person, wearing a black “abaya” and a disposable mask followed
and subsequently enter the restaurant. When he asked what was her purpose of
coming, the woman told him that she is supposed to go to Cleopatra Store to visit
her mother. The woman occupied the back-corner seat near the comfort room, then
he closed the rolled-up door of their restaurant for their safety. Approximately one (1)
hour after the explosion, he told his brother to open the door and let the customer to
get outside already. The customers immediately went out. Just as the black abaya
wearing female was just walking out of their restaurant and his brother was about to
close the door again, another loud explosion befell adjacent to their place, causing
injuries to his brother who was hit by a shrapnel on his leg. (Judicial Affidavit of
witness marked as annex “”)

22. JOEL ALABATA TAN JR also executed a Judicial Affidavit in support

to the statement of his brother Bryan Joshua Tan. (Judicial Affidavit of witness
marked as annex “”)

23. In the executed Judicial Affidavit of PFC JAYSON PAGUIRIGAN y

APOSTOL, 26 y/o, single, member of Philippine Army assigned at 21 IB 11ID dated August
25, 2020, he averred that he and his troops from their unit on board in two (2) military
vehicle, a KM450 and M35, went to Paradise Food Plaza purposely to purchased
goods and provisions they needed. Upon arrival thereat, they went to the store to
buy the things they needed. Thereafter, while they were loading their purchased
goods to their vehicle wherein, he was at the back of the KM450 together PFC
NOVIN IQUIN GUZMAN and PVT ALVINER MOHAMMAD HAMSAJI, receiving
goods from his colleague, he suddenly heard a loud explosion which he believes
coming from behind because he felt the impact in his back thigh while at the same
time he heard PFC GUZMAN telling him that a bomb exploded. Afterward, the
jumped out of their vehicle run towards the nearby pawnshop. Moments later they
went back to their vehicle and there they saw several human bodies lying motionless
on the road and blood all over the place. (Judicial Affidavit of witness marked as
annex “”)

24. PFC NOVIN I GUZMAN and PVT ALVINER M HANSAJI both

executed their Judicial Affidavit in support to the statement of PFC PAGUIRIGAN. .
(Judicial Affidavit of witness marked as annex “” and “”)

25. In the executed Judicial Affidavit of CPL ALDRIN PAJ-DIO y BIMMAHAT,

26 y/o, male, married, member of Philippine Army assigned at 21 IB, 11 ID dated August
25, 2020, he stated while he was manning his post beside 3R Store, Paradise Food
Plaza, he saw two (2) Army vehicle parked in front of the store. Several of them
alighted from the vehicle and proceeded to the 3R Store to buy some food supplies.
And while the soldiers were busy loading the goods to their vehicle, he heard a loud
explosion. he immediately takes cover just beside the store and observed the area.
Moments past, he saw several human bodies lying motionless on the road, and
some human limb was scattered in the area and there was blood all over. (Judicial
Affidavit of witness marked as annex “”)

26. In the executed Judicial Affidavit of CPL PHILIP ANTHONY

MARTINEZ ALETA , 37 y/o, male, married, member of Philippine Army assigned at
21 IB, 11 ID dated August 25, 2020, he averred he and his troops from their unit on
board in two (2) military vehicle, a KM450 and M35, went to Paradise Food Plaza
purposely to purchased goods and provisions they needed. Upon arrival thereat at
around 11:20 AM, he parked the M35 in front of the PFP just a few distance behind
KM450. He remained behind the wheel while his colleague went to buy goods and
things they needed. While he was observing the area and the activities happening
that day, a sudden explosion occurred just about five (5) meters from his vehicle.
After checking himself for any injuries, he took his firearms and got out of the vehicle
and went towards the Paradise Food Plaza to seek cover. When the situation was
clear enough, he checked the area and there he saw several bodies lying
motionless. (Judicial Affidavit of witness marked as annex “”)

27. In the executed Judicial Affidavit of PVT STEPHEN ALCANTARA

OLIVEROS, 23 y/o, male, single, member of Philippine Army, dated August 25, 2020, he
stated that he was manning his post outside the Helen’s Lodge and Restaurant at
the corner of Serantes St. and Buyon Road and, just at the other side of the road
from where he saw a group of army personnel busy loading goods on their vehicle
when he suddenly saw and heard a loud explosion in that location, just between the
two (2) military vehicle. After realizing that he was been hit by a shrapnel, he went
inside the Helen’s Lodge to take refuge until he was retrieved by military personnel
and taken to Trauma Hospital for medical treatment. (Judicial Affidavit of witness
marked as annex “”)

28. In the Post Blast Investigation Report conducted by EOD dated

September 2020, they came up with an analysis of the incident based on the pieces
of evidence recovered as follows:

A. Items found in the first seat of explosion (SEO):

i. Disintegrated part of cellular phone believes to be use in the

bombing;
ii. Fragmented parts 9 volts battery believe to be the power source
of the device;
iii. Fragmented wire solid believed to be the leg wire for the electric
blasting cap;
iiv. Shattered part of blue maong vest believed to be the container
of the device;
v. Fragmented part of Galvanized Iron (GI) pipe that serve as the
enhancement;

B. Items found in the 2nd SOE:

i. Fuse assembly of hand grenade M8524A2;

ii. Part of 9 volts battery believe to be the p[ower source
of the device;
iii. Shattered piece of wire possible to be the leg wire of blasting
cap;
iv. Fragmented part of maong vest/chalico believed to be the
suicide vest;

Based on the recovered evidence, the two (2) explosion were caused by Person
Borne Improvised Explosive Device (PBIED), and both devices use similar GI pipe
(10 inches in length), each contain eight (8) pcs, placed inside a maong vest/chalico
wore by the suicide bomber. 9 volts battery was used as a power source for both
devices. Cellular Phone are also found in both SOE, however, in the 2 nd SOE there
was recovered a Fuse assembly of hand grenade, M8524A2 intended for M26A2
which could be possibly linked to Jolo Cathedral Bombing and Bombing at the
Military outpost in Indanan. (Post Blast Investigation Report attached as annex
“”)

29. In the After-Activity Report re: SOCO RCLO 9 dated September, 20120
(marked as annex “”) significantly reported the following:

a. The team noted the presence of two (2) seat of explosion (SOE)
one at Serantes St, fronting Paradise Food Plaza and the
second was at corner of Sanchez St. and Garcia St;
b. The team was able to collect several metal fragments, partially
burned clothes, specifically a maong vest, believe to be
the container of the device, the presence of metal fragments on
the area;
c. The team also recovered human flesh, two (2) pair of legs
believe to be that of a female. A human head was also
recovered at the roof top of commercial building near the 2 nd
explosion. Nobody came forward to claim the recoverd limbs
and heads. The body arts recovered was sent to Davao City for
DNA analysis.
d. The RCLO-9 came up with the Computerized Facial Composite
of the suicide bomber based on the description provided by the
witnesses. (marked as annex “”)

IV – DISCUSSION and CONCLUSIONS:

Deduced from the facts of the case, the investigating team arrived on the
following discussions and conclusions:

30. Two (2) bombing incident caused by a PBIED transpired at Jolo, Sulu
on August 24, 2020. The first SOE was located at Serantes St, fronting Pardise Food
Plaza and the second SOE was at corner of Sanchez St. and Garcia St. The two (2)
incidents resulted in the deaths of seven (7) AFP, one (1) PNP and ten (10) civilians
and injuries to (18) AFP, (6) PNP and (48) civilians, including undetermined amount
of properties damage.

31. The said incident was a deliberate intent of the

perpetrators/conspirators to sow or create extraordinary fear and panic among the
populace of Sulu and to further their terroristic activities. These attacked probably
carried out by Abu Sayyaf Group, a local terrorist group that had ties with the ISIS,
an international terrorist group.

32. Immediately thereafter, a Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) was

created to conduct a thorough investigation. Corollary, troops from Provincial Mobile
Force Company, SPPO Personnel, CIDG-9 conducted manhunt operation against
the tricycle driver that transported the suicide bomber to its final destination which
the latter eventually surrender himself to the Jolo MPS. Personnel from PIB was also
dispatch to gather more information as to the possible link of the bombing to the
previous bombing incident, particularly the twin bombing of Jolo Cathedral in January
of 2018, and use as a basis to formulate measure in preventing any potential attack
in the future. Further, an ongoing manhunt operation was undertaken for the
immediate arrest of the other suspects/conspirators.

33. It was also been observed that there has been lack of coordination
between the PNP and military with regard to the issue of CCTV footage. Even worse,
the military even got the copy of the video footage ahead of the PNP, in utter
disregard of some well-established protocol involving criminal investigation. To
underscore, the PNP is the primary investigative agency of the government, as such,
during any investigation, all information relative to the crime must be under the
control and supervision of the PNP assigned investigators. Access to this must also
have the authorization from the PNP. No other agency can interfere, even the NBI
unless ordered by the President. Nonetheless, they can conduct their own probe
provided it won’t impede the work of the PNP. When the military seize the CCTV
footage from the private establishment without coordinating with the investigator from
the PNP, it is considered obstruction of justice. They have no business going there
and they can even be held criminally liable for violating the constitutional rights of the
owner against unreasonable searches and seizure because they obtain the footage
without a warrant. This kind of scenario should not be repeated and must be
accorded greater attention so that fiction between PNP and AFP can be avoided.

34. After the conduct of a thorough and in-depth investigation and based
on the account of witnesses, the following persons were identified as the
suspects/conspirators for the explosion, to wiit:

1. Mudzrimari Sawadjaan @ Mundii Sawadjaan

2. Mannul Sawadjaan
3. Madzmar Sawadjaan
4. Al-Al Sawadjaan
5. Mujappal Sawadjaan
6. Lovely Andus
7. Samer Sanni
8. Madjid Said
9. Ben Quiring
10. Ellam Sajirin
11. Sbu Fads
12. Andi Baso
13. Rsky Fantasya Rullie
14. Several John Doe’s

36. CRIMINAL ACTION for MULTIPLE MURDER, MULTIPLE

FRUSTRATED MURDER Damages were already filed before the Office of the
Provincial Prosecutor.
V- RECOMMENDATION:

In view thereof, the undersigned respectfully recommends the following:

37. Conduct a seminar on the subject of Anti-Terrorism Law to help the

PNP personnel in Sulu further understand its concept;

38. Conduct Explosive Ordinance Reconnaissance Agent (EORA) training

of Sulu PPO Personnel;

39. Assignment of female police personnel in the conduct of checkpoints in

the event that there is a need for a body search against a woman as part of the
security measure;

40. Require all establishment along the commercial center of Jolo to install
CCTV camera and to always keep it functional. The Municipal Govt of Jolo must
pass an ordinance to this effect;

41. Review, maintain and conduct regular system check of all the CCTV
installed by the Municipal Government of Jolo; including keeping a copy of the
footage for future reference;

42. Subject to the constitutional rights of the owner, a copy of the video
footage made subject of an investigation should be made available to the
investigating officer upon prior request signed by the head of office.

43. Issuance of appropriate award/commendations to the members of the

SITG and other personnel of Sulu PPO who were directly involved for the immediate
solution of the case;

Prepared By: Checked by:

PCpl Rhasdy P Aming PLTCOL LORENEZ G LOSARIA

Investigator, PIDMU. C, PIDMU

Approved by:

PCOL MICHAEL CADIOGAN BAWAYAN, JR

Officer in-Charge