Bomb experts defuse IED in Maguindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (May 10): Bomb experts defuse IED in Maguindanao

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Operatives of the Army’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team defused an improvised explosive device (IED) they recovered just near the gate of the compound of the municipal hall of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao, around 8:45 p.m., Friday, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Donald Hongitan, commander of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion, said a ‘tipster’ informed one of their operatives about the presence of a suspicious box placed outside the municipal hall.

“Immediately, we dispatched a team from the EOD and after they confirmed that an IED was inside the box, without so much delay, defused the bomb using a water disruptor,” said Hongitan.

The explosion came a day after the Army launched security combat patrol operations in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, which led to the recovery of five M16 armalite rifles allegedly owned by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels operating in the area.

The encounter also resulted in the wounding of two elements of the 45th IB, according to Hongitan.

Also, the operations resulted in the apprehension of a suspected BIFF member identified as Datu Not Ali Sailila of Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan. Sailila is also believed involved in illegal drug trade.

Hongitan said they confiscated from the suspect a high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, which weighed 6.43 grams with an estimated value of P200,000.

Sailila was placed under the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Cotabato City while charges are being prepared against him, Hongitan said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/bomb-experts-defuse-ied-in-maguindanao/