Security forces foil Abu bombing attempt in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Local police forces foiled a bombing attempt by suspected Abu Sayyaf terrorists after recovering an improvised explosive device (IED) planted near a store in Jolo, Sulu, an official said yesterday.

Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of Directorate for Integrated Police Operation Western Mindanao (DIPOWM), said the bombing attempt was prevented when a civilian witness alerted the police Friday night at Barangay Asturias, a few meters from the residence of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan.

The police could not immediately say if Tan was the target of the failed bombing attack.

Five unidentified suspects were spotted dropping a backpack near a store owned by Police Office 3 Maning Julmaani Sappal about 8 p.m. Friday and hastily left on board motorcycles.

Jolo Police Station commander Inspector Francisco Panisan immediately cordoned the area and alerted the Explosive Ordnance and Disposal (EOD) unit of the Sulu Provincial Police who immediately defused the package.

Khu said the police EOD recovered the bomb that was fashioned out of two rounds of 81mm mortars, with a timing device, battery, four blasting caps, an electrical clam and wiring.

He said the IED was similar to the one recovered last June 1 in Tacurong, which was believed to be a Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) signature bomb.

The JI militants have been previously reported training their local counterpart Abu Sayyaf group in bomb making and demolition.

The authorities could not immediately say if the foiled bombing was a ploy to disrupt the police and military forces from hunting down four known JI militants, including Zulkipli Bin Hir alias Marwan and Mauwiyah, who were believed to be hiding in Sulu.

Khu directed all police units in Sulu to continue their vigilance and remain alert to counter possible sabotage attempts of the terrorist group.