Powerful improvised explosive device found abandoned in Cotabato

From GMA News (Jun 18): Powerful improvised explosive device found abandoned in Cotabato

Authorities recovered an abandoned powerful improvised explosive device (IED) in Arakan, Cotabato on Friday morning.

The IED was found by North Cotabato Police safety personnel within the boundaries of Barangays Sto. Niño and Tumanding, according to a police report.

The explosive weighed 15 kilos and had batteries but was missing a switch box. It was placed inside a trolley when it was found, Police Senior Inspector Jun Napat, Arakan chief of police, said.

Police found the IED by the roadside a few hours before a military convoy was to pass by, Napat said.

“Should the explosive went off it could possibly damage the military vehicle and can even kill or hurt those riding in said vehicle,” he said.

Police Senior Superintendent Maximo Layugan, Cotabato Philippine National Police acting provincial director, said the Arakan Municipal Police Office got a tip that an IED would be transported from Barangay Datu Ladayun to Barangay Tumanding.

Another call was received by intelligence operatives saying that a suspicious-looking bag was found abandoned by the roadside near the boundary of Barangays Sto. Niño and Tumanding.

Layugan pointed to the New People's Army as the one behind the IED.

He said the NPA operates in Arakan and is known for using wired command-detonated IEDs similar to the one recovered on Friday.

Layugan lauded the Arakan Municipal Police Office for its quick and decisive action which may have prevented an explosion that could have harmed innocent civilians.

The New People's Army has yet to issue a statement regarding the incident.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/657212/powerful-improvised-explosive-device-found-abandoned-in-cotabato/story/