Kato follower nabbed; bomb attempt foiled

MANILA, Philippines - Government agents arrested a suspected member of the Bangsa Moro Freedom Fighters (BMFF) led by Ameril Umbra Kato yesterday and foiled his attempt to bomb a populated area in Midsayap, North Cotabato.

The suspect, Armos Salang-gao, who reportedly belongs to the BMFF’s Alpha Coy, was collared near a restaurant in Midsayap town. He then led his captors to an improvised explosive that was later detonated.

Senior Superintendent Joselito Esquivel, Region 12 chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, said they got information that somebody would bomb a crowded place in Midsayap, prompting them to seek the help of elements of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion.

Through the help of CIDGsources in the Muslim community, Salanggao was tracked down and arrested after several days of surveillance.

Salanggao led the arresting team near a gasoline station where he planted the improvised bomb made from a live 60-mm mortar with “Bruno” markings.  – Non Alquitran, Cecille Suerte Felipe