2 bomb couriers killed in North Cotabato shootout

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Two men carrying a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) were killed in a shootout with lawmen in Mlang, North Cotabato early Wednesday, police said.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for the North Cotabato police provincial office, said joint elements of police and the military’s 7th Infantry Battalion initially flagged down the motorcycle-riding suspects at a checkpoint in Barangay Sangat. But the two allegedly dodged inspection by speeding off past authorities.

A pursuit operation was launched and then the gunfight ensued, according to Mlang Vice Mayor Joselito Pinol. Another suspect managed to escape.

It took more than an hour for lawmen to get closer to the slain suspects, who were carrying a black sling bag which authorities later found out to contain an improvised bomb.

“The bomb has no blasting cap, it’s an incomplete IED,” Tayong told the INQUIRER.

The IED was made of 60-mm mortar ammunition, a mobile phone, cut nails and several bullets.

Police and Army bomb experts later found a pistol and several sachets of suspected shabu from the two slain suspects.

The discovery of IED in Barangay Sangat was the fourth alleged bombing attempt in North Cotabato – three in Mlang and another in Kidapawan City.

On Sunday afternoon, an IED was found on a roadside in Barangay Poblacion, Mlang. Police and military bomb experts later deactivated it.

On Monday morning, a similar IED was found in front of a store in Barangay Bagontapay, also in Mlang. Residents discovered the black bag with the bomb and also said two men on motorbike left it there before fleeing.

At 7 p.m. Monday, workers of Gaisano Grand Mall in Kidapawan City found two grenades at the mall’s entrance-exit door.  Bomb experts safely recovered the explosives.

Supt. Ramel Hojilla, acting Kidapawan City police director, said the discovery of explosives at the mall was related to a conflict involving two security agencies providing security services for the mall.

“There appears to be misunderstanding between the two groups over who should take the lead role in securing the mall,” Hojilla said.

An Army intelligence officer said the bombing attempts in Mlang could be the work of IS linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) “to show it is still a force to reckon with, following the signing of Bangsamoro Organic Law.”

“The group is making noise to show its capability,” the officer said.   /kga

Inquirer calls for support for the victims in Marawi City

Responding to appeals for help, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is extending its relief to victims of the attacks in Marawi City

Cash donations may be deposited in the Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860.

Inquiries may be addressed to Inquirer’s Corporate Affairs office through Connie Kalagayan at 897-4426, ckalagayan@inquirer.com.ph and Bianca Kasilag-Macahilig at 897-8808 local 352, bkasilag@inquirer.com.ph.

For donation from overseas:

Inquirer Foundation Corp account:

Inquirer Foundation Corp. Banco De Oro (BDO) Current Account No: 007960018860

Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Don’t miss out on the latest news and information.