Bomb-making materials seized

From Tempo (Mar 14): Bomb-making materials seized

Government forces have recovered bomb-making materials as offensive operations against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao continue.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said soldiers recovered the materials used in making improvised explosive device during clearing operations in Sitio Tatapan, Barangay Kitango, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Maguindanao Thursday.

“While scouring the area, two platoons of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade recovered seven 60-mm mortar fuses, one plastic container of ammonium nitrate, and one roll of electrical wire,” Kakilala said.

Kakilala added that operating troops also recovered one ballistic helmet, gun powder, two magazines for an M-16 rifle, and a police uniform.

“Clearing operations are still on-going in the area,” said the AFP spokesman.

“The AFP, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, will continuously pursue the BIFF bandits who have scampered from our intensified law enforcement operations,” Kakilala added.

“We will also continue to take part in the on-going relief operations jointly conducted by ARMM Heart and local provincial and municipal governments in the area,” Kakilala said.

The AFP earlier said that that least 116 BIFF members, including three relatives of Filipino bomb expert Abdul Basit Usman and a suspected foreign terrorist, have been killed in the ongoing military offensive against lawless armed groups in Central Mindanao.

The military also said that government troops are closing in Usman, who is said to be moving around the SPMS (Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Salibo (Shariff Aguak) in Maguindanao.

Kakilala denied reports that the wanted terrorist was able to slip out of the province amid the continuing military offensive.

“The operating troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 8 led by Lt. Col. Willy Manalang are closing in on the group of Usman and five foreign terrorists who are being coddled by BIFF leader Mohammad Ali Tambako,” said AFP spokesman.

“Accordingly nasa area pa si Usman, sa SPMS box and its periphery… malabo siya makalusot kasi madami tayong checkpoint,” he further stated.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2015/03/14/bomb-making-materials-seized/