Police and military authorities here Friday foiled an
attempt by what it described as saboteurs to disrupt the joyful celebration of
Maguindanao foundation anniversary.
The powerful bomb was safely defused by Army bomb experts,
according to Army Lt. Colonel Ricky Bunayog.
Bunayog, 33rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the
powerful improvised bomb was made of 81 mm mortar with an alarm clock as
trigger mechanism. It was placed inside a black backpack and left in front of
the provincial risk reduction and management office in Poblacion Buluan.
Civilians noticed the black backpack left close to the
disaster office at about 8 a.m. They quickly alerted the Buluan Police Office
and soldiers of the 33rd IB providing security during the "Sagayan
Festival" (celebration of successes and blessings of Maguindanaons).
Bunayog said soldiers immediately cordoned off the area
while waiting for Army bomb experts.
The IED was safely disrupted and defused.
No one has claimed responsibility but Bunayog said the bomb
has the signature of lawless Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) who are
the subject of military law enforcement operation in nearby Datu Salibo town,
about 30 kilometers west of Buluan town.
Bunayog told reporters he believed the attempt was meant to
disrupt the 5th Sagayan Festival in celebration of Maguindanao’s foundation
anniversary.
Several festive activities have been on going in the capitol
grounds when the IED was discovered.
Bunayog lauded the civilians who found the IED and for
quickly informing authorities.
Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Toto Mangudadatu condemned the
attempt and called on everyone to stay on alert.
He also appealed to the bombers to do away with the
un-Islamic practice and instead join the celebration peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=856310
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