GOVERNMENT forces foiled a planned bomb attack in Sulu after recovering an improvised explosive device (IED) at the pier of Jolo town on Saturday night, the military said yesterday.
The bomb was found by a team from the Philippine Coast Guard explosive ordance disposal unit during an area paneling at the pier, specifically between the Harbor Master and Maritime Police Police Office, in Barangay Walled City at around 6 p.m.
The discovery of the IED came a day after a Marine was killed in a roadside bomb attack in Maguindanao and about a month after the twin suicide bombings also in Jolo town, which killed 15 persons dozens others.
In the latest incident, the Zamboanga City-based AFP Western Mindanao Command said a bomb-sniffing dog sat beside an abandoned item at the pier, prompting an inspection “which resulted in the discovery of two electric blasting caps, one rifle grenade, one spark plug, and concrete nails.”
It said soldiers and policemen responded to the scene to verify the items.
Authorities did not say what group was behind the failed bombing.
The Abu Sayyaf is behind a number of bombings in the Sulu, including the August 24 suicide bombings.
Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, commander of the militaryӼs Joint Task Force Sulu, commended the the government troops for the prompt recovery of the bomb and eventually preempting an attack.
Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. also cited the troops, adding they should «remain steadfast in accomplishing your mission,» referring to their job of ensuring the safety of the people.
