MANILA, Philippines (30 Dec 2000) -- Muslim extremists have been blamed for five powerful bomb blasts that ripped through Manila, killing 22 and wounding 124. Four of the five bombs exploded almost simultaneously at a train station, Manila International Airport, a bus station and a park. The fifth bomb blew up at a luxury hotel as demolition experts were trying to defuse it. Security has been tightened in the capital city but Manila residents are tense. Police have been swamped with reports of suspicious packages. In the southern part of the country, Muslim separatist guerrilla groups have been fighting for a separate Islamic nation and both groups have claimed responsibility for previous bombings in Manila. | | Abu Sayyaf Earlier this year, Abu Sayyaf rebels abducted dive tourists and hotel staff from Sipadan and Pandalan Islands in Malaysia. A Sipadan dive instructor remains hostage after eight months. © CDNN - CYBER DIVER NEWS NETWORK |
