Fake bombs planted in North Cotabato town

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Authorities have launched a manhunt for pranksters who left replicas of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along the roads in Mlang, North Cotabato. 

Bomb experts said at least two IED prototypes found on Sunday and Monday had no blasting powder and had electrical wires connected to metal cans containing several rounds of rifle ammunition, nails and metal fragments. 

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division said the fake bombs were placed in shopping bags and left along busy sections of the roads. 

The Soccksargen police received reports that two men on a motorcycle left the shopping bags.