An improvised explosive device (IED) went off at 2 a.m. yesterday near the public market in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, but no one was injured due to an alert security guard.
Supt. Romeo Galgo, spokesman of the Central Mindanao regional police, said the security guard saw unidentified men leave a package and immediately fled after their attention was called.
The guard, whose identity was withheld, called police which cordoned off the area around the suspicious package while waiting for the EOD (Explosive and Ordnance Division) team.
Thirty minutes after it was placed, the IED exploded.
Galgo lauded the quick police response.
Local police are now conducting investigation to identify the perpetrators.
Galgo said they are also looking into the background of the motorcycle which was abandoned by the suspects.
Bomb attacks have become common in Central Mindanao areas over the years, the motive of which is either terrorism or extortion.
Police and military forces, especially in Mindanao, have been on highest security alert since the State of Lawlessness was declared by the Duterte administration which has not been lifted until today. (AARON RECUENCO)
