Bomb-making components found by Army troopers in a terrorist lair in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, Maguindanao on March 9, 2022. Photo courtesy of 6th ID PA
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao — Army troopers discovered a factory of improvised bombs during a law enforcement operation in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town, Maguindanao on Wednesday.
According to Maj. Gen. Juvymax Uy, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the the facility was a well-camouflaged shanty in Barangay Pagatin.
Uy added that they believed that the bomb-making operation there was run by forces loyal to Ustadz Esmael Abdulmalik, head of the Torayfe Group which is a faction of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters with links to the Daulah Islamiyah terrorist network.
Found there were 12 assorted container-type improvised bombs; blasting caps; several grams of ammonium nitrate, black powder, and sulfur powder; several 9-volt batteries; anti-personnel claymore mine; ammunition for rifle-propelled grenade and 40mm HEAT; laboratory test tube glasses; electric wires; improvised switch; cartridge shell of 57RR; and a remote control.
“I also urge everyone to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious person or thing in your locality,” Uy appealed.
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