ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security forces foiled what could have been another bloody day in Sulu with the discovery of a powerful improvised explosive device at a park in Jolo town.
Col. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Task Force Sulu, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by phone that “there could have been many casualties” had the bomb not been discovered in time.
He said the bomb was discovered 10:30 a.m. Tuesday following a tip-off.
He said it was planted at the Jolo Plaza and was fashioned from ammonium nitrate, assorted nails and a blasting cap.
“Many people would have been maimed if it exploded because of the nails,” Arrojado said.
He said the IED could be part of the Abu Sayyaf’s efforts to divert the military’s attention from the operation it has been conducting in the hinterlands of the province – which were aimed at freeing the remaining Abu Sayyaf captives and diminishing the bandit group’s capability.
Just last week, Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, an Abu Sayyaf spokesperson, had warned of bomb attacks in Sulu and in this city.
“I believe Abu Rami and his companions were making their threats real,” Arrojado said.