Government Troops recover IED in Sulu

By Jong Cadion 

PAGADIAN CITY (Sep 27, 2016) – The Troops of Join Task Force Sulu recovered a roadside Improvised Explosive Device (IED in Km3- Kajatian, Tagbak, Indanan, Sulu, Southern Philippines Sunday afternoon, Sep 25, military official said.

In a press statement from Information Support Team, JTF Sulu through Col. Rodrigo Gregorio disclosed that The IED was discovered by local residents at about 1:40pm who informed authorities. Soldiers coming from 501st Infantry Brigade headed by Col Jose Faustino together with the police cordoned the area while troops of the Quick Reaction Force composed of Marines and Army troops from JTF Sulu scoured the vicinity for possible secondary devices or presence of armed men.

Col. Gregorio said, The Explosives and Ordinance Disposal Teams (EOD) of the AFP and PNP conducted assessment and evaluation at 2:45pm and later on successfully diffused the IED by conducting "render safe" procedure.

Troops recovered a 30-liter container with ammonium nitrate as main charge, blasting cap and 150-meter wire. The recovered items are now in the custody of the Marines of the Jolo Internal Defense Force, he said.

Authorities say the IED may be aimed at passing troops to immobilize vehicles and incur casualties but is equally dangerous or even more deadly to passing civilians. The 'rendered safe' IED can potentially maim, injure, and even kill innocent civilians who may just be traversing the road they customarily use in their day to day living.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of JTF Sulu also said "the successful recovery of the IED is due to the vigilance and cooperation of the local residents and the timely action of soldiers and policemen".

"Terrorism has no place in our society. The collective efforts of our people in collaboration with authorities has been proven to be a formidable weapon against terrorism. Let us unite in the fight against terrorists and make our communities safe and secure for our families, for our children", Brig. Gen. dela Vega concluded.