By Martin Sadongdong
A bomb plot supposedly set to target a village in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan on Dr. Jose Rizal's birthday last Friday, June 19, has been foiled by security forces through the help of the residents.
In a press statement on Sunday, Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom), said elements of Joint Task Force (JTF) Basilan recovered various bomb components in a law enforcement operation in Barangay Bohe.
He said the task force acted on reliable information from villagers who tipped them of the terror plan.
The plot was attributed to the remnants of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) faction led by Furuji Indama who are still being hunted by the military in Basilan.
"While our troops continuously operate to disrupt the enemy's ploys, we urge everyone to be more vigilant," Sobejana said.
"Let us continue to help one another to prevent the terrorists from sowing terror in the communities," he added.
The troops seized three 60mm mortar unexploded ordnances (UXOs) with wires, an improvised blasting cap, and a commercial radio converted into a remote control switch.
The recovered bomb components were turned over to the 39th Explosive Ordnance Division Team based in the province for proper disposition.
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Fernando Reyeg, commander of JTF Basilan, extended his appreciation to the people of Basilan for helping the military fight terrorist and local threat groups.
"Truly, the participation of the populace is very vital in our efforts against the local terrorist group and other lawless elements," Reyeg said.