PH Coast Guard foil bomb attack in Sulu

From the Manila Bulletin (Sep 20, 2020): PH Coast Guard foil bomb attack in Sulu (By Nonoy Lacson)

Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) failed to create havoc in the town of Jolo in Sulu after elements of the Philippine Coast Guard–Explosive and Ordnance Division (PCG-EOD) discovered a baggage that contained an improvised explosive device (IED) that the bandits planted at the local port, Saturday night, September 19.

Armed Force of the Philippines- Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom) Commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan, Jr. said PCG EOD wharf security personnel found the abandoned baggage between the Harbor Master and Maritime Police Office located in Barangay Walled City in about 6:02 p.m., Saturday.

Vinluan said the PCG security personnel immediately brought their bomb-sniffing dog to verify the content of the box.

The bomb-sniffing dog immediately sat beside the boc, indicating that an explosive was inside it.

A careful inspection was immediately conducted which resulted in the discovery of two electric blasting caps, one rifle grenade, one spark plug, and concrete nails.

Upon receipt of the information, troops of the 35th Infantry Battalion immediately cordoned off the area, while the EOD Team of the Sulu Provincial Police Office and Jolo Municipal Police Station responded in the area to assess the situation and facilitate the verification and confirmation of the said item.

Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-Sulu) Commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales said: “I commend our troops and our partners for this accomplishment. You saved the lives of the innocent people and foiled this terroristic activity of our heartless enemies,”

“This success is a result of the intensified conduct of intelligence operations and the strengthened collaboration with the police and other security agencies, thus preempting the terrorists from executing their terror plan. I commend the troops of the JTF Sulu for a job well done,” Vinluan added.

https://mb.com.ph/2020/09/20/ph-coast-guard-foil-bomb-attack-in-sulu/