Bombing attempt in Maguindanao foiled

Security forces in Maguindanao province foiled a possible bombing attack on Monday morning when they recovered two improvised bombs near a business establishment, a military official said.   A tipster informed the authorities of the location of the improvised explosive devices (IEDs), according to Lt. Col. Prudencio Asto, public affairs officer of the Army’s 6^th Infantry Division.   Asto said the bombs were retrieved around 6:30 a.m at the vicinity of RP Metal Shop in Mintex, Tamontaka village. He said the bombs, made up of 81 mm mortars, were “declared safe after the disruption” about 30 minutes later.   Lt. Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command, said the bombs were placed in a box with “BIFF” markings. The markings could mean Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (now Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement or BIFM), a breakaway faction of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).   A spokesman of the BIFM, meanwhile, denied his group’s involvement in the attempted bombing.   In a radio interview on Monday, Abu Misry Mama said it was unlikely that their group was also behind the latest bombings in Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Cotabato City.   “These are against the teachings of Islam. Islam is the basis of our faith and our struggle,” said Mama.   Asto said 6^th ID commander Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo has alerted subordinate units to step up security measures following the foiled bombing.   “Brig. Gen. Ardo instructed all the units within the AOR (area of responsibility) to take extra precautionary measures especially those assigned to all probable target areas of bombing,” said Asto without elaborating on the possible targets.   “Stricter implementation of checkpoints for the possible entry of the IEDs was directly ordered to the troops and ready at all times,” he added. — with Malu Cadelina Manar/KBK, GMA News