Roadside bomb explodes near military-media convoy in Maguindanao

From GMA News (Feb 4): Roadside bomb explodes near military-media convoy in Maguindanao

A roadside bomb, believed to be planted by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), exploded and nearly hit a military and media convoy in Maguindanao on Tuesday.

No one was hurt in the incident, the first BIFF attack since Sunday when the military declared victory over the armed group following a week-long operation.

Armed Forces public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the soldiers were on board two Simba armored fighting vehicles and three trucks, which were tailed by a group of mediamen, including GMA News.

The convoy was on its way to Rajah Buayan town to conduct clearing operations and to assess the security situation there.

Asked if the attack was part of the BIFF’s anticipated retaliatory attacks, Zagala said: “It can be.”

“That’s why it’s very important that the presence of our troops and the clearing operations to continue,” he said.

Days of military operations have resulted in the military seizing several training camps of the BIFF, the splinter group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) opposed to the peace talks with the government.

Ameril Umbra Kato, the aging BIFF leader, however, has escaped.

Zagala said more attacks could be forthcoming.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/346970/news/regions/roadside-bomb-explodes-near-military-media-convoy-in-maguindanao