Improvised explosive devices bring down two transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation in Pikit, North Cotabato
Powerful
explosions toppled two transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of
the Philippines in Pikit, North Cotabato on Friday evening, October 9, causing a
3-hour power outage in the province and in Maguindanao.
Captain Jo-ann
Petinglay, spokesperson of the military's 6th Infantry Division, said the
explosions occurred in Barangay Batulawan at around 11:40 pm, hitting towers 44
and 45.
"Troops of
7th Infantry Battalion and 38th Infantry Battalion both of 6th Infantry
Division, Philippine Army immediately proceeded to the area to investigate
after hearing a loud explosion and they found out that the towers were already
down when they arrived," Petinglay said.
Petinglay added
that responding government forces reported that the improvised explosive
devices were crafted using 60-millimeter mortars and were command detonated.
A 250-meter
firing wire was recovered in one of the towers, Petinglay said.
"More so, an
unexploded IED was also found emplaced 10 meters above the ground (at the) foot
of tower number 45. The immediate and swift reaction of the troops could have
prevented the perpetrators from detonating the IED and further crippling the
said tower," Petinglay said.
It is still
unclear what group was responsible for the attack but the Bangsamoro Islamic
Freedom Fighters was one of the suspects in the bomb attacks in Maguindanao and
North Cotabato earlier this year. One
explosion caused a 10-hour power outage.
"The Command
will not tolerate terroristic activities to thrive in its area of operations as
many will be affected. It will continue to support the PNP and the local
officials...[to] preempt any terror threats in the area," Petinglay said.
"It is
currently assisting in gathering evidence and pertinent information that will
be useful in identifying the motive and the perpetrators of the incident,"
she added.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/108781-explosion-power-outage-maguindanao
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