CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao – An improvised explosive device was recovered and defused by government troops in Brgy Fort Pikit, Pikit, North Cotabato on June 16, 2022.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Mundala, Commanding Officer of 90th Infantry (Bigkis Lahi) Battalion his personnel responded immediately at 8:20 a.m. after the recovery of the said explosive at the RMFB Checkpoint in the said area.
“Pikit PNP and troops from 90th IB immediately cordoned the area where the IED was found allegedly placed inside a plastic sando bag hanging in a tarpaulin pole”, Mundala said, adding that Army’s EOD Team and PNP conducted a disruption by detonation on the said IED.
Colonel Jovencio Gonzales, Commander of the 602nd Brigade said “with the help of the Cotabato Provincial EOD team along with the K9 unit of the 90IB of the Philippine Army immediately detonated the explosive without any injuries”.
The discovery of the bomb caused the closure of the Cotabato-Davao highway for almost an hour, the Brigade Commander added. “Recovered IED components were 2-inch concrete nails, 9V Battery, one piece of Christmas light bulb, one piece of one (1) liter soy sauce plastic container, one piece of blue and white-colored sando bag, one trace of black powder, electrical wires, and remote-control system”, Col. Gonzales said.
Major General Roberto S Capulong, Acting Commander of 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central said that the discovery of the said explosive in Pikit, North Cotabato is proof that people around are now more vigilant in reporting to our authorities. “This is a manifestation of people’s growing awareness and concern when it comes to our peace and security concerns.”
“On the other hand, we continue to pursue whoever is responsible for placing the explosive. If it is not found immediately, it is possible that it can inflict on innocent people and cause damage to properties thereby with your unrelenting support, it is assured that we will soon attain genuine peace and development in this part of Mindanao,” MGen. Capulong further stated.
