COTABATO CITY – Security forces thwarted an alleged Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters plot to bomb a transmission tower of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines in Pikit, Cotabato on Independence Day.
Police Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, 90th Infantry Battalion commander, said personnel of the Army Explosive Ordnance Unit detonated at least three improvised explosive devices (IED) at the perimeter of NGCP Tower No. 39 in remote Barangay Batulawan.
THE military foiled a plot to bomb an NGCP tower in North Cotabato (Army FB)
He said the recovery of the IED came after residents reported to authorities a bomb explosion in the area at past 8 a.m.
Major Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th Infantry Division commander, said the prompt recovery of IEDs thwarted the possible bomb attacks on NGCP transmission towers by suspected local terrorist group out to destabilize the peace and security of Central Mindanao.
Security forces also recovered on Monday an unexploded 81mm mortar ammunition in Barangay Kadigasan, Midsayap, Cotabato.
Authorities have tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, an Islamic State-inspired local terror group, as behind the terror plot.