3 former politicians charged for airport bombing in Philippines

Three former government officials were charged in court on Wednesday for their alleged involvement in last month's bombing at an international airport terminal in the Southern Philippines that left two people dead and 22 others injured.

The suspects involve former Sulu First District Congressman Munir Arbison, former Maimbung Mayor Najib Maldiza, and former Pangutaran Mayor Ahmad Nanohm Ricardo Cabaron, a state prosecutor told reporters.

The suspects allegedly conspired to set off the blast at a Zamboanga airport Aug. 5 to assassinate Sulu Governor Sakur Tan. Tan, who was on his way out of the airport's arrival area when the improvised bomb went off, was among those hurt in the incident.

Arbison, however, denied any hand in the blast, assuring authorities that he will cooperate with them in the investigation.

Police earlier said their four witnesses claimed that the three former officials fashioned three plans on how to assassinate Tan.

The supposed schemes include a car bomb and the last year's roadside bombing on the governor's convoy where Tan survived the attack.

The incident came a day before U.S. Ambassador Harry Thomas was set to arrive in the country, prompting him to cancel his visit.

Source: Xinhua