Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Philippine soldiers disarm IEDs planted inside commuter bus

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Dec. 23, 2008) – Philippine soldiers on Tuesday disarmed two improvised explosives planted inside a commuter bus in Pagadian City in the Mindanao province of Zamboanga del Sur, officials said.

Officials said the explosives were assembled from 60 millimeter mortar bombs attached to a timing device. The bombs, placed inside a cardboard box and left under a seat, was discovered by the bus conductor.

No group or individuals claimed ownership of the explosives, but its discovery came four days after two mortar bombs were detonated in two shopping stores in Iligan City by suspected Moro rebels that killed two people and wounded at least 48 others.

Lt. Steffani Cacho, a regional army spokeswoman, appealed to the public to stay vigilant and report suspicious persons or bags left unattended in places where there are many people.

“We should stay vigilant and report all suspicious-looking bags or persons to authorities,” she said, adding, they have reports that terrorists may be planning attacks in key cities in Mindanao.

An improvised explosive was also discovered on Friday and Sunday in Iligan City and both bombs were made from 81 millimeter mortar shells covered in papaya. (Mindanao Examiner)


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