PNS — THE Philippine National Police yesterday identified the man who reportedly delivered the powerful improvised explosive device used in the Zamboanga International Airport bombing that killed two suspects and wounded 24 others, including a British national last Thursday.
Initially described by PNP chief Director General Jesus A. Verzosa as ‘‘Yellow Man,’’ the suspect was identified as Adong Salakudin, reportedly a trusted man of Abdulwahid Sahidulla, the mayor of Tongkil, Sulu and husband of former Sulu Vice-Governor- turned Sulu 2nd District Rep. Nur-Ana “Lady Ann” Sahidulla.
Police intelligence reports said Salakudin has a sister who is married to a relative of Tomagen “Cocoy” Tulawie, a former Jolo councilor charged for the foiled attempt on the life of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan on May 13 last year in Patikul town.
Police investigators are looking into the possible participation of Tulawie in the blast although Verzosa said they have no concrete evidence to link him to the case.
Verzosa earlier said “Yellow Man,” who was seen in a CCTV footage at the Imperial Hotel in Zamboanga City wearing a yellow shirt, could have duped slain suspected bombers Reynaldo Apilado and Hatimil Haron Yacob into carrying the bomb-laden backpack to the airport.
Aside from Apilado, Yacob, and Salakudin, Verzosa also identified Alan Sabbudin and a certain ‘‘Tanda’’ as among the three suspects being hunted for the ZIA bomb attack.
The three were positively identified by witnesses as the men who stayed with Apilado and Yacob.
Verzosa said investigators found out that the bomb was detonated by a remote device, probably a radio, a cell phone or a doorbell.