Sulu cops on high alert after bridge bombing

The entire police force in Sulu has been placed on high alert following the bombing of a bridge in Patikul town on Saturday night.

 

Director Felicisimo Khu Jr. of the Philippine National Police Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao said the alert level was raised on Sunday to secure all bridges in the area.

 

This was after suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group bombed a bridge in Barangay Pangdanin in Patikul town at 10:40 p.m. Saturday. No one was reported hurt in the incident, but the bridge was rendered impassable.

 

The bombing came three days after another bridge was blown up in Panamao town last Wednesday — an incident also attributed to the bandit group.

 

Khu said the police are coordinating with the Philippine Marines to fully secure the area.

 

Last Saturday, the Philippine Marines also recovered eight improvised explosive devices at the vicinity of Camp Baladad, also in Patikul town.

 

The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for various kidnap-for-ransom and bombing activities in the southern Philippine island of Mindanao, as well as in Metro Manila. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News