Ferry Fire Was Caused by Bomb, Report Finds
A bomb, probably planted by the Al Qaeda-linked rebel group Abu Sayyaf, caused a ferry fire in February that killed at least 118 people in the Philippines, an investigation concluded.
Abu Sayyaf, which is on Washington’s list of international terrorist groups, claimed responsibility immediately after the Feb. 27 fire aboard Superferry 14, saying it planted a bomb in a television set that one of its members carried aboard.
Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza said investigators believed Superferry 14 was targeted because owners WG&A; had not complied with an Abu Sayyaf letter last year demanding protection money.
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