Breakaway Moro rebel group blamed for Maguindanao bridge blast

Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) line up inside their camp in Datu Saudi, Maguindanao. INQUIRER file photo

MANILA, Philippines – Two improvised explosive devices planted allegedly by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters went off under a bridge in Maguindanao as Ramadan neared, the military said.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the two IEDs were placed underneath Magaslong Bridge in Dato Piang at about 11:30 p.m. last Monday.

Based on the assessment of the engineers from the Department of Public Works and Highways, the bridge remains intact, but only light vehicles may pass as while it is being repaired, he said.

No one was hurt in the incident.

“The recent attack of the BIFF is strongly condemned by the people, businessmen and local government units of Datu Piang and adjoining communities. It tagged the incident as “Haram” or forbidden, especially that the holy month of Ramadan is about to start,” Hermoso said.