2 roadside explosions hit Maguindanao in less than 24 hours

From the Philippine News Agency (May 7): 2 roadside explosions hit Maguindanao in less than 24 hours

Suspected members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) set off an improvised explosive device (IED) along the national highway in Datu Hofer, Maguindanao Sunday morning, the second roadside bombing in the province in less than 24 hours.

“The roadside bombs were meant for government forces cruising the road network,” Capt. Arvin John Encinas, 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, said.

Encinas said the Army had launched artillery attacks toward nearby Datu Salibo town in Maguindanao where the BIFF is planning to overrun an Army base in the village of Pagatin.

Datu Salibo and Datu Hofer are about 15 kilometers apart.

The roadside bomb this morning missed a convoy of soldiers under the 57th Infantry Battalion conducting road security patrol, Encinas said.

At about 6 p.m. Saturday, suspected BIFF elements set off an IED in Barangay Pagatin that damaged two tires of a Simba armored personnel carrier, Encinas said.

Encinas said the troops did not suffer any casualties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php/articles/985652