Plot to bomb Cotabato NGCP tower foiled

COTABATO CITY, Philippines — Army and police bomb experts have foiled an attempt by local terrorists to topple a power relay tower of the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) in Pikit, Cotabato on Monday.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, 6th Infantry Division commander, said a bomb disposal operation was conducted in Sitio Punol in Barangay Batulawan.

Lt. Col. Rowel Gavilanes, 90th Infantry Battalion commander, said villagers alerted authorities after they heard a mild explosion at around 8:30 a.m.

Bomb experts deployed at the scene found three improvised explosive devices attached to the steel footings of the NGCP’s Tower 39. 

Brig. Gen. Donald Gumiran, 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, said the police and military would remain on heightened alert to prevent diversionary tactics of lawless groups.

On Monday, Gumiran said an unexploded ordnance was discovered by residents of Barangay Kadigasan, also in Midsayap.

Local officials and villagers said members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Dawlah Islamiya were behind the bomb plot.

The BIFF and Dawlah Islamiya had been tagged in bombings of public transportation and establishments in the province and nearby areas.