Woman suicide bomber is lone fatality in ‘thwarted’ attack in Indanan, Sulu — AFP

A suicide bomber is the lone fatality in what the military described as a "thwarted" attack on a military detachment in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu on Sunday afternoon.

Data released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines indicated that the bombing happened at 5:48 p.m. on Sunday, September 8.

"The suicide bomber was in abaya attire, a woman and foreign-looking with long hair based on the recovered mutilated head; however, the recovered dismembered hand is similar to that of a man," Western Mindanao Command chief Lieutenant General Cirilito Sobejana said in a message sent to reporters.

He added that while the bomber appeared to look female, authorities are still conducting an investigation as to their identity.

"The scene of the crime has been secured and preserved while SOCO [scene of the crime operatives] investigation is ongoing as of this report," he said.

According to Joint Task Force Sulu spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Gerard Monfort, the woman attracted notice because she had a large belly, "appearing to be pregnant," and was acting "suspicious" while trying to enter the entrance gate of KM3 Detachment of the 35th Infantry Battalion.

He said that the guard took a defensive position while instructing the woman not to enter.

"[S]inigawan niya 'Wag ka pumasok, 'wag kang pumasok,' and then pag-ano niya, wala pa 'ring nangyayari, ay nag-take cover na siya, nag-prone siya," Monfort said, adding that the guard also relayed the order in Tausug.

The other soldiers took a defensive position, after which the woman blew herself up.

"Kasi...naka-fighting position lahat...naka-prone, naka-ano sa mga sandbags eh, so ang namatay lang 'yung nagpasabog, nandun ang kanyang body parts, mga detonating, ano niya, manual fuse niya nandun," Monfort said.

Monfort added that there are no other casualties in the incident.

According to the military's statement, a manual fuse igniter believed to be from the suicide bomber was recovered at the site.

"We call on every Suluanon to remain vigilant and to report suspicious items and personalities to authorities," said Sobejana.

JTF Sulu commander Major General Corleto Vinluan Jr. lauded the soldiers' defense of the camp. "The suicide bombing could have resulted [in] tremendous casualties if it was not properly addressed by our soldier. Hence, I commend them for such heroic achievement," he said.

Months earlier in June, several individuals were killed by twin blasts inside a military camp in Sulu. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News