Troops tighten security after blast hits Isulan town in Sulu

Soldiers have heightened security operations after anti-personnel mines exploded at Carlitos Chicken House along the national highway in Barangay Kalawag 2, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat at 3:15 p.m. last Wednesday.

Three of the 18 hurt in the blast underwent surgery and the rest are being treated for minor injuries.

“We intensified our intelligence operations to apprehend the perpetrators and to thwart further hostilities," said Major General Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Central Commander.

Sobejana said the owner of Carlitos Restaurant received an extortion letter last week, but failed to inform authorities about it.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Meanwhile,  Lieutenant General Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, condemned the attack and said "austere security measures are implemented by their forces."

On the other hand, Sobejana said troops from the JTF Central engaged renegade Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the Liguasan Marsh area, killing Ali Abdul Mali, brother of Daulah Islamiya commander Abu Turaifei. —LBG, GMA News