2000 Ozamiz ferry bombing

February 25, 2000 Ozamiz Ferry Bombing
LocationPanguil Bay, Philippines
DateFebruary 25, 2000 (UTC+8)
TargetSuper 5; M/V Our Lady of Mediatrix
Attack type
bombing
Deaths44
PerpetratorsMoro Islamic Liberation Front

The 2000 Ozamiz Ferry Bombing is one of the Philippines' bloodiest bombing incidents. At least 44 people were killed, while more than 100 ferry passengers were wounded.[1][2]

Incident

On February 25, 2000, Large incendiary bombs exploded on three buses of Super Five Transport aboard the M/V Our Lady of Mediatrix ferry as it crossed Panguil Bay from Kolambugan, Lanao del Norte to Ozamiz City. The explosions created a fire which engulfed the bus, spreading to four vehicles behind it. 44 people died while 100 people were injured.[1][2] The bomb exploded as the ferry was about 20 yards from the pier at Ozamiz.[3]

Reactions

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) were among those blamed for the attack.[4] The Armed Forces Chief Angelo Reyes also blamed Extortionists.[4][5] Regarding the investigation, the bombs were allegedly time bombs.[5] The alleged perpetrators were Allan Saumay and Amanodin Dimalna who were arrested.[6] This action, among other incidents such as a MILF raid in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte on March 21, 2000, prompted President Joseph Estrada to declare "all-out war" against MILF.[7][8]

References

  1. ^ a b "Mindanao bombs: over 300 killed in 12 yrs". Rappler. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  2. ^ a b "44 die in Philippines bus bombs". Irish Times. 26 February 2000. Retrieved 4 August 2018.
  3. ^ "Bomb Aboard Bus Kills 26 in Philippines". Los Angeles Times. Archived from the original on 2012-10-23. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  4. ^ a b "Barge blast death toll rises to 44 | Philstar.com". philstar.com. Retrieved 2018-07-19.
  5. ^ a b "Bomb blasts on ferry kill at least 32". Deseret News. 2024-01-19. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  6. ^ Cruz, Lino De La. "Victims of Ozamis ship blast still cry for justice". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-06-18.
  7. ^ Estrada, Joseph (July 24, 2000). Third State of the Nation Address (Speech). Third State of the Nation Address. Batasang Pambansa Complex, Quezon City. True to form, the MILF took advantage of the 1997 ceasefire to commit at least 227 violations. These include the kidnapping of Father Luciano Benedetti in September 1998; the occupying and setting on fire of the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao; the takeover of the Kauswagan Municipal Hall; the bombing of the Lady of Mediatrix boat at Ozamiz City; and the takeover of the Narciso Ramos Highway.
  8. ^ Nathaniel Melican (27 January 2015). "Estrada Stands by All-Out War Strategy vs MILF". Inquirer.Net. Retrieved 4 August 2018.