Tambulig Mayor, others Implicated in Tukuran Explosion: Officials Push for National Investigation

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR – Governor Victor J. Yu and 1st District Representative Divina Grace Yu have directly named individuals allegedly connected to the bombing in Tukuran last September 17 during a press conference on Saturday, December 7.

Governor Yu revealed that initial police investigations identified two suspects: a former leader of Labangan Mayor Ed Relacion, known as “Abdul,” and Alfredo “Butch” Dumanjug, a first cousin of suspended Tambulig Mayor Charlotte Panal and resident of Lower Usugan, Tambulig. Both suspects reportedly died in the explosion.

Congresswoman Yu disclosed that four days after the bombing, Mayor Relacion called her and Governor Yu, as well as Zamboanga del Sur Provincial Police Office (ZSPPO) Director Restituto Pangusban.

During the call, Relacion allegedly claimed that the bombing was intended for the Yus, and named Mayor Charlotte Panal as one of the planners. Further investigations uncovered that the white Fortuner used by the suspects, as seen on CCTV, was a vehicle frequently used by Mayor Panal.

The car was registered under Elsa Navarro, a close associate of the mayor. Gov. Yu expressed concern over the incident initially considered isolated but said the investigation’s findings have revealed a web of connections involving high-profile figures.

“We were alarmed when the details started linking these personalities,” Yu stated.

The Yu couple has formally sought the intervention of the National Anti-Terrorism Council (NATC), requesting that Panal, Relacion, and the other suspects be designated as terrorists. This would enable the council to conduct its own investigation.

Additionally, the national Philippine National Police (PNP) has instructed the PRO9 to give the case special attention. An emergency meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) emphasized the preparation of a strong case to be filed with the prosecutor against those allegedly involved.

“The explosion in Tukuran is not an ordinary case; it carries political and security implications that demand national attention,” Cong. Yu emphasized.

As the investigation deepens, the province’s leaders have vowed to pursue justice for the incident, which has shaken the community and raised questions about the intersection of politics and violence in the region.