The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) foiled a bomb plot by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits after government troops discovered an improvised explosive device in Maluso, Basilan on Wednesday.
In a statement, the 4th Special Forces Battalion said elements of the 14th Special Forces Company securing the Maluso Water District (MAWAD) area found the IED hidden beside the pipeline where a maintenance team was supposed to be doing repair works.
Lt. Col. Eliglen Villafor, commander of the battalion, described the IED as "made from a mortar round capable of inflicting huge damage on the pipeline or to any person within a close proximity."
Villaflor said government troops have been securing the area after suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits sent extortion letters to the firm handling the water district. Troops have also organized and established community defense system to prevent untoward incidents.
Last June 6, a CAFGU Active Auxiliary died and one got seriously wounded when they were ambushed by suspected bandits while performing security patrol along the pipeline.
Authorities said the bandits were hoping to destroy the MAWAD pipeline, which majority of Maluso constituents depends on to for water supply, to extort monthly "protection money."
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