Bombing averted by cops, soldiers in North Cotabato

CIDG Director Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. FILE PHOTO

Government security forces on Sunday thwarted an alleged attempt by Moro bandits to sow terror in Mindanao after they arrested a suspected bomber of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group in Midsayap town in North Cotabato, with the help of a civilian informant.

Director Samuel Pagdilao Jr., Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) chief, said Armos Salanggao, alias Ryan, was arrested by a joint CIDG and military team at 8 a.m. near the Park Hill Inn and Restaurant in Midsayap.

Pagdilao said Salanggao belonged to the BIFF’s Alpha Company that was supposed to set off an improvised explosive device (IED) near the restaurant.

Senior Supt. Joselito Esquivel, chief of CIDG Region XII, said the suspect led them to the location of the makeshift bomb, which was made from a live 60 mm mortar marked “Bruno” attached to a mobile phone that served as a detonating device. Marlon Ramos