Security forces foiled a bombing attempt by the Islamic State-inspired terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group following their prompt arrival while the enemies of the state were placing improvised explosive devices along a busy high road network in Basilan province Tuesday morning.
Military reports said the ASG’s plan to create havoc was thwarted after troops chanced upon some 15 bandits sparking an encounter in barangay Calang Canas, Maluso, Basilan during the small hours Tuesday.
Brig. Gen. Fernando Reyeg, commander of Joint Task Force Basilan, said Wednesday they were tipped off that an ASG terror team would conduct a bombing spree along the Basilan Circumferential Road.
Army troops of the Alpha Company of the 68th Infantry Battalion jumped off for anti-terrorist operations and eventually encountered some 15 bandits in Calang Canas village.
Reyeg said a 30-minute firefight ensued between government troops and bandits but the latter were overwhelmed, prompting the terrorists to retreat with their casualties.
“The troops were acting on a report received from a reliable source regarding the plan of Furuji Indama’s group to create havoc in our area of operation,” Reyeg said.
Records showed that Furuji Indama was a notorious ASG commander responsible in the series of terror acts in Basilan.
“We are grateful for we incurred no casualty during the operation and we were able to secure the IEDs and foil the bomb plot of the enemies,” said Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Western Mindanao Command.
Troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing enemies while the IEDS were turned over to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team.
“The successful recovery of the IEDs is attributed to the concerned citizens who provided the information, to the local government units of Basilan, and to our gallant soldiers who are always steadfast in accomplishing their mission,” added Lt. Gen. Sobejana.