CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Military bomb disposal experts disarmed an improvised explosive device (IED) found Tuesday along the highway in Ampatuan, Maguindanao.
Concerned citizens reported around 1:30 p.m. the discovery of the IED along Barangay Poblacion to the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion, which in turn contacted the Army’s 32nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit for its removal.
The cellphone–triggered “pipe bomb” found inside a sack was safely deactivated by the EOD team, said Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander.
Sobejana said the IED had the capacity to severely inflict damage on both civilians and motorists passing by the highway.
“The 6ID expressed its thanks for the continued support and cooperation of the civilians by being vigilant on preventing bombing plots in Maguindanao,” Sobejana said.
Tuesday’s discovery of the IED came barely two weeks after two roadside bombs were set off by suspected Moro militants, also in Ampatuan town, which missed a military convoy.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, speaking for the 6ID, said the two IEDs that exploded on Oct. 26 had the “trademark” of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The BIFF has been known to plant IEDs along routes used by military vehicles in Maguindanao. ( Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
