Islamic group says it bombed Philippine ferry
Militant Islamic group, Abu Sayyaf, linked with Osama bin Laden’s al Qeada network, has claimed responsibility for Friday’s explosion on a Philippine ferry that killed at least two people and left 112 unaccounted for.
Abu Sulaiman, spokesman for the Abu Sayyaf group, made the claim in a telephone call to Radio Mindanao Network, a Philippine radio station.
The attack on the ferry was revenge for government attacks in the southern Mindanao area on Filipino Muslims, according to RMN programme director Benji Alejandro.
The explosion occurred on the same day that two Abu Sayyaf members were sentenced to life imprisonment for kidnapping an American four years ago.
It is hoped survivors may still be found on the Superferry 14.
The 10,000-ton vessel had been too hot to board before Sunday.
Some passengers jumped into the sea or boarded local fishing boats, according to reports.
Coast guard officials said 766 people plus 153 crew members have thus far been rescued.
