CIDG, AFP foils extremists bombing attempt in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 27): CIDG, AFP foils extremists bombing attempt in North Cotabato

Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) foiled a plot by the extremists' Bangsa Moro Freedom Fighter (BMFF) to stage a bombing in North Cotabato with the arrest of the bomber near a restaurant in Midsayap town, North Cotabato Sunday morning. Security forces also disarmed the improvised explosive device.

CIDG chief Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr said a certain Armos Salanggao, alias "Ryan", a member of BMFF Alpha Coy was arrested around 8 a.m. this morning near Park Hill Inn and Restaurant, in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

Immediately after his arrest, the CIDG recovered the IED a few meters from the restaurant, near a gasoline station in Midsayap. Region 12 CIDG chief, Police Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel said the IED, a live 60mm mortar with “Bruno” marking, was recovered along with a detonating device made up of an old Nokia cellphone after the suspect led the authorities to where he placed the bomb.

Fearing that the other terrorists would learn about the arrest of Salanggao and remotely detonated the IED by cellphone, Esquivel said the CIDG wasted no time and immediately brought the IED to the headquarters of the 40th Infantry Battalion, Philippine Army, where it was detonated and rendered safe through disruption.

Esquivel said Salanggao is now under the custody of CIDG where he is presently being investigated to determine if there are still other IED planted in the area as well as the other BMFF members who are with Salanggao. Esquivel said that prior to the arrest of Salanggao this Sunday, he received a call from a Community Investigative Support member about the plot to bomb a populated place in Midsayap.

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