Authorities foil ASG bombing plot in Lamitan City

ZAMBOANGA CITY (PNA) – Police and military authorities have foiled a bombing attempt by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in Basilan province, an official said Tuesday.Senior Supt. Oscar Nantes, Basilan police director, said this came after they recovered on Monday night an improvised explosive device (IED) placed along the road along Rizal Avenue, Lamitan City.Nantes said the explosive ordnance demolition (EOD) of the military disrupted the IED several minutes after it was recovered.Nantes said the cellphone-triggered IED, which is an ammonium nitrate fuel oil type of explosive, was placed in a can of milk rigged with wires and nails as shrapnel.He said post-blast investigation showed the bombing attempt was the handiwork of the ASG brigands.He added the IED they recovered and disrupted Monday night was similar to the ones placed by the ASG brigands in Lamitan City which were safely recovered and disrupted in previous months. (PNA)CTB/TPGJR