Army foils bomb attack by Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines — The Army has averted a possible bomb attack by the Abu Sayayf in Lamitan, Basilan, on Tuesday.

Soldiers received information on Monday that there was a plan to plant an improvised explosive device in Lamitan City, Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion Lieutenant Colonel Eliglen Villafor said.

While conducting security patrol early Tuesday, soldiers from the Joint Task Group Basilan figured in a firefight with armed men believed to be Abu Sayyaf under Edris Sampang in Brgy. Kulaybato past 5 a.m.

The firefight lasted for five minutes and the bandits fled towards Brgy. Bulanting.

The troops were able to recover one hand grenade and IED attack tools such as all-in-one soldering iron, long nose plier, two toggle switches, soldering lead, pieces of diodes and electric wires.

Drug paraphernalia believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf was also found in the encounter site.

Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said the ASG could possibly be diverting the offensives in Sulu and in Central Mindanao.

“Ang iba kasi ay meron silang kaanak o kaibigan dun sa lugar. Possible rin ito na pang divert sa attention ng armed forces (Some have relatives or friends in the area. It’s possible this is meant to divert attention of the armed forces),” he said.

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