Security forces detonate improvised bomb in Lamitan City, Basilan

Would-be voters look for their names among a printed precinct-finder guide at Balobo Elementary School in Lamitan City, Basilan on Monday, Sept. 14. INQUIRER photo by Leah D. Agonoy LAMITAN CITY, Basilan – Joint police and military units thwarted a bombing plot after discovering and safely detonating an improvised explosive device (IED) early Monday morning, September 14, in Barangay Balobo here.

Joint intelligence-driven operations conducted by the Lamitan City Police Station (LCPS), the Regional Intelligence Division Tracker Team, 52nd Special Action Force, Provincial Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) Basilan, and troops from the Philippine Army’s 112th Division Reconnaissance Company led to the discovery of the explosive at around 1:15 a.m. on Monday, just hours before polling centers open.

Explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the PECU rendered safety procedures through a controlled detonation at around 3:30 a.m.

Investigators recovered components of the destroyed device, including an electronic blasting cap, approximately one bar of TNT powder used as the main charge, a keypad mobile phone, a 9-volt battery terminal, 3-inch concrete nails, a plastic receptacle, and several connecting wires.

Probers from the Lamitan City Police Station have conducted initial documentation, while the recovered physical evidence will be turned over to the Police Forensic Unit for chemical analysis and further forensic examination.

The LCPS is currently handling the investigation to identify the suspects behind the foiled bombing plot. /dp