Authorities recovered suspected components of an improvised explosive device (IED) believed to be remnants of terrorist activities linked to the late DI-Maute Group member in Kauswagan, Lanao del Norte.

The suspected IED components were found following security operation in Barangay Tugar.

During the operation, the team located an abandoned hut that matched the description of a site believed to have been used by the late DI-Maute Group member identified as alias “Esmael” as a storage site for explosive components.

Authorities recovered from the site PVC pipes and bottles containing suspected ammonium nitrate/fuel oil (ANFO); several mobile phones with attached wires; commercial blasting caps and detonating cords; assorted solid wires, packaging materials, and electrical tapes; two upper garment battle dress attires; and estimated four to five kilos of suspected ANFO.

According to the Police Regional Office-Northern Mindanao (PRO-10), the information regarding the presence of IED components was revealed by an alleged DI-Maute Group member identified as alias “Kurtobi,” who was captured on June 29, 2025, during the serving of arrest warrant against Esmael.

Esmael was killed after he allegedly fought back against authorities.

PRO-10 said Kurtobi revealed that Esmael buried the IED components near the abandoned hut as part of a plan to bomb a tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

“This information was confirmed later by a confidential informant, who also verified the presence of the buried explosive materials in the area,” PRO-10 said.

The items seized are now under the custody of the Lanao del Norte Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (LDN PECU).

“The recovery of these explosive components has once again disrupted the operational capability of local terror remnants in the region. This is a result of our relentless campaign to protect our people from any form of threat.,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Rolindo Suguilon, said.