Army foils bombing attempt in Cotabato

TROOPS intercepted an improvised explosive device (IED) allegedly intended for a planned attack in Cotabato City on Monday, October 1, a military official said.

Sixth Infantry Division spokesperson Major Arvin Encinas said the IED was found inside a bag in a passenger jeepney, which went through inspection in Barangay Capiton, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao around 7 a.m., just a few meters away from the army detachment in Barangay Awang.

He said the IED was safely detonated.

Encinas said the IED was made of 81 and 60 mm mortar rounds with a mobile phone that serves as a triggering mechanism.

He said they received an intelligence information about the bombing attempt prior to the recovery of the IED.

He said the IED was reportedly created in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and was transported in Kabuntalan town through a boat before it was loaded in a jeepney.

Encinas said the jeepney driver identified as Amidin Tato told authorities that someone paid him P150 and asked him to take the bag to the terminal in Barangay Poblacion 1, Cotabato City. He said someone will pick up the bag at the terminal.

The military official said the suspects are targeting to bomb a compound or a supermarket in Cotabato City.

He said they are considering the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters as behind the foiled bombing attempt.

“It (IED) was similar to other IEDs set off and recovered in Maguindanao,” Encinas said.