Military foils bombing of Catholic mass in Sulu

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 24): Military foils bombing of Catholic mass in Sulu

SECURITY forces foiled a bomb attack by the Abu Sayyaf in a plaza in Jolo at dawn on Tuesday following their discovery of an improvised explosive device shortly after the end of a dawn mass in a Catholic Church.

Col. Allan Arrojado, head of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the operatives found the bomb in the park hours after the dawn mass and subsequently detonated it.

He said the security forces were on a routine patrol with K9 units when they found the bomb.

“That device could have killed people in the immediate vicinity had it exploded,” Arrojado said.

“Civilians noticed the wiring. We are thankful that it was found and reported to us.”

Arrojado made his statement even as an Army official said Tuesday they were not taking any chances but were getting alert for any eventuality as the Communist Party of the Philippines celebrates its founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

Both the military and the communists have declared ceasefire during the holidays, but AFP spokesman Col Restituto Padilla said the military will remain on alert.

“The AFP will be on the alert but will not launch any kind of offensive,” Padilla said.

He said the military was optimistic the communists would finally realize that their armed struggle would not succeed.

“The government is hopeful that they will reconsider renouncing their armed struggle and instead join the mainstream, participate in the political system without the arms and help bring about a much more peaceful and progressive Philippines for the betterment of all our citizens,” Padilla said.

Arrojado said the bomb containing water, ammonium nitrate and nails was packed in a cellophane plastic containing two 1.5-liter plastic Coke bottles.

He said Abu Sayyaf planted the bomb to divert the military’s attention from the ongoing all-out law enforcement operation in Sulu.

Government forces are still pursuing the Abu Sayyaf to stop them from kidnapping and harassing the civilian population.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/12/24/military-foils-bombing-of-catholic-mass-in-sulu/