The Philippine military tightened security Tuesday following the failed bombing of a power pylon in North Cotabato province.
The 6th Infantry Division (6ID) said three homemade bombs were recovered on June 11 in the village of Batulawan in North Cotabato’s Pikit town, and another improvised explosive the next day in the village of Kadigasan in the neighboring town of Midsayap.
Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion confirmed the recovery of the bombs, saying villagers tipped off the military about the explosives after a bomb went off in the area.
“The military’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit, in coordination with the Philippine National Police, immediately disarmed three improvised explosive devices or anti-personnel mines that were intended to be detonated at NGCP Tower No. 39 in the area. The swift action of the soldiers and police prevented a potentially devastating attack,” he said, referring to the steel pylon of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines.
Gavilanes did not say who was behind the foiled attack, but several rebel groups operate in the province where several villages are under the Bangsamoro autonomous region.
Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, commander of the 602nd Infantry Brigade, said troops were placed on high alert to thwart any possible attacks targeting power transmission lines.
“Our soldiers and police remain on high alert for possible diversionary tactics by the enemies,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, commander of the 6ID, said the bombs were powerful enough to create havoc and disrupt the electricity supply in the province and affect the local economy.
“That’s why your soldiers are continuously guarding vital government and private sector installations that drive the economy, without compromising the safety of our citizens,” he said.
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