Soldiers recover materials needed to assembly IEDs

Clandestine bomb workshop uncovered in Maguindanao

MANILA – The Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) reported the discovery of a clandestine bomb “factory in Sitio Talpok Barangay Salman in Ampatuan, Maguindanao at midday today.

It was learned soldiers from the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion were on clearing operations when they uncovered the workshop.

In a statement from the Zamboanga City-based AFP WestMinCom, it was learned the soldiers recovered a round of 105mm unexploded ordnance, one round 60mm unexploded ordnance, several improvised explosive device materials including fuses, switches, blasting caps, shrapnel and some reading materials.

The soldiers referred the recovered items to the Explosives and Ordnance Division for proper disposal.

Both Joint Task Force Central Commander Major General Juvymax Uy and WestMinCom chief Lt. General Corleto Vinluan, Jr. expressed their appreciation to the residents for their continued support to their programs to bring about a peaceful and progressive community. (Melo M. Acuña)

Soldiers recovered materials needed to create improvised explosive devices in Southern Philippines. (AFP WESTMINCOM photos)