1 killed, 4 hurt as IED explodes near military convoy in Maguindanao

MANILA, Philippines – An improvised explosive device went off Monday morning near the military convoy carrying brigade commander Colonel Gener del Rosario and his security escorts in Maguindanao province.

Del Rosario, First Mechanized Infantry Brigade Commander, was unhurt but one of his men was killed while four others were injured.

Senior Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, Maguindanao Police Chief, said in a text message that del Rosario, who was on board a Toyota pick-up truck, followed by his escorts in a KM450 military truck, were heading for barangay (village) Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat municipality when the bomb exploded around 10:50 a.m.

The improvised explosive device (IED), Jocson said, went off and struck the convoy while the military men were traversing Meta Bridge in Barangay Meta, Datu Unsay municipality.

After the explosion, the police official said a “heavy exchange of gunfire” ensued between the government forces and suspected Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) members.

Jocson said the casualties are yet to be identified.

Troops from 45th Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Donald Hongitan have launched pursuit operations against the assailants.

Last Friday, a homemade bomb was also found in the municipal hall of Shariff Aguak town following the attack of BIFF of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion in the same town.