Suspect in twin Palawan blasts has links to ex-gov Reyes, MNLF

Ex-Palawan Governor Joel T. Reyes is the subject of an ongoing manhunt. A warrant has been issued for his and his brother's arrest, in connection with the murder of Palawan journalist Gerardo "Gerry" Ortega in January 2011.

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InterAksyon.com
The online news portal of TV5

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY - Police have in their custody a suspect in the twin explosions that rocked Palawan, including this city, last Maundy Thursday.

Hiya Hassan, in his 50s, was invited for questioning Sunday after it was determined that his daughter's cellphone number was used to text the Royale Bus Line company where one of the explosions took place here. The text message was sent to the bus company a day after the
explosion indicating that the blast was a "warning" to them.

Hassan, according to Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn, is a contractual employee working for Vice Governor Clara Reyes, the wife of at-large ex-Palawan Governor Joel Reyes. Former Governor Reyes is wanted for the killing of Palawan broadcaster Gerry Ortega.

The Western Command also based here said Hassan is a member of the Moro National Liberation Front who moved to Palawan in the 1970s. Lt. Gen. Juancho Sabban, Westcom chief, said Hassan is known in the MNLF as Commander Cobra and they are still determining if Hassan has any knowledge in bomb-making.

Hassan will be charged with grave threat and extortion and is under the custody of the CIDG-Mimaropa.

The explosion that rocked this city and El Nido last Thursday injured three persons.

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