Security tightened in Basilan after explosion; another bomb recovered

From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): Security tightened in Basilan after explosion; another bomb recovered

Authorities strengthened security measures on Thursday in Basilan to possibly prevent another bomb explosion in the area.

Chief Insp. Allan Benasing, Lamitan City police chief, on Thursday ordered tighter security measures following the explosion of an improvised bomb and the safe recovery of another.

An electric post was destroyed when an improvised bomb exploded outside the Jose Rizal Elementary School at around 12:15 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Matatag, Lamitan City.No one was injured in the explosion.

Another improvised bomb was recovered outside the Alliance Church at around 7 a.m. Thursday in Barangay Malinis.

The place where the bomb was recovered is near the terminal for buses and vans plying the Lamitan City-Isabela City route and vice versa.

The main charge of the recovered cellular-phone triggered improvised bomb is an 81-mm mortar ammunition.

Benasing said they believed that the Abu Sayyaf bandits are behind the bomb explosion.

The official said they are looking at extortion as a possible motive.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=970355