From Rappler (Sep 8): 1 soldier hurt in Maguindanao highway bomb blast
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An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded while another one was successfully diffused along the national highway in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao early morning Sunday, September 8.
An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded while another one was successfully diffused along the national highway in Datu Paglas, Maguindanao early morning Sunday, September 8.
At least one soldier was hurt. He sustained shrapnel wounds to the knee.
Datu Paglas municipal administrator Teng Madidis said his teenage nephew was the first to notice a suspicious item while jogging at Sitio Malindog, Brgy Dawato at around 5:30 am Sunday.
“He immediately reported to the local miliatiamen’s detachment what he saw and believed as a bomb, which he said was a “mortar-like” item with wires attached," said Madidis, who is also a resident of Datu Paglas.
Troops from the army and the Citizen Armed Force Geographic Unit (CAFGU) immediately checked and secured the area upon receiving the report but the first bomb exploded after a few minutes.
Another bomb was found when additional personnel from the Army Explosive Unit scoured the site. Bomb experts sucessfully diffused the 2nd IED.
Col Edmundo Pangilinan, commanding officer of the 601st brigade said initial investigation indicates that the culprits targeted soldiers who were responding to the bomb.
The road, which borders Maguindanao and North Cotabato, was opened to the public again at around 7 am.
A week ago, one person was killed and another was arrested in the same area during a joint-CIDG-police and army entrapment operation against suspected bomb and gun-runners operating in Central Mindanao.
High-powered homemade Barrette sniper guns and IEDs were recovered from the group identified to be from the Tamengkong criminal syndicate, which is said to be involved in illegal arms trade.