Bombing attempt foiled

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Police and military foiled a bombing incident in Isabela City after an improvised explosive device (IED) was found near a motorcycle showroom in Isabela City yesterday morning, officials said.

The remote-triggered bomb was discovered by a civilian, whose name was withheld for security reason, beside a building occupied by the Phil. Motors Inc. on Veterans Avenue, Barangay Seaside, city police chief Superintendent Albert Larrubis said.

He said the bomb was placed in a plastic bag.

Authorities immediately evacuated residents living near the vicinity as members of the explosives ordnance and disposal units  defused the bomb.

The IED was made of cylindrical metal pipe containing trinitrotoluene (TNT), silicon control rectifier, 9-volt battery, improvised blasting cap, and a cell phone believed to serve as triggering device.

Police have yet to determine whether the shop was the  target of the bombing attempt, and whether it has received extortion demands and threats from lawless groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.