Troops foil bomb attack in Cotabato

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government troops on Wednesday disarmed an improvised explosive device planted near a public market in Pikit town in North Cotabato province in the southern Philippines, officials said. Although no group claimed responsibility for the foiled bombing, the military quickly blamed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which is said to be avenging the deaths of its fighters in recent clashes with troops in Mindanao. The crude bomb was made from ammonium nitrate rigged to a battery and a cellular phone. “This IED, recovered through intensified intelligence monitoring, is designed as retaliation by the MILF due to their recent debacle in North Kabuntalan (town) wherein eight rebels were killed,” said Army Lt. Col. Jonathan Ponce, spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division, referring to a clash that happened last Monday. The denied that they were involved in the encounter, saying the fatalities were probably civilians. The MILF is the country’s largest Muslim rebel group that is fighting for autonomy in southern Philippines. - Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV