IED defused in North Cotabato

From the Sun Star-Davao (Jan 11): IED defused in North Cotabato

PIKIT, North Cotabato -- A large Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was defused by authorities at 10:05 p.m. Saturday, January 10.

Pikit Chief of Police Sindatu Karim said they spotted a man moving suspiciously as he left a bag beside the road at Datu Piang Street in Barangay Poblacion, Pikit.

As the man was being accosted by members of Task Force Pikit led by Superintendent Jordine Maribojo, he was able to escape with the help of another man onboard a motorcycle who brought him to a remote area in Pagalungan Maguindanao.

The police and members of the 7th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army chased down the suspects but failed to catch them.

Members of the Explosive Ordnance and Disposal (EOD) Team of the Philippine Army responded to the scene and inspected the contents of the bag and found a bomb inside it.

The IED was fashioned from one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) with citric acid connected to a cellphone, which served as the triggering mechanism. It was defused by the EOD team.

The authorities believe that the suspects were targeting soldiers and police officers patrolling in the area.

The military and police are currently beefing up security in the province of Cotabato following threats of bombing and surprise attacks from rebels.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/01/11/ied-defused-north-cotabato-386196