TROOPS of the Army’s 51st Infantry Battalion (IB) have recovered two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) believed to belong to the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group (DI-MG) in Lanao del Sur, the military reported.
Lieutenant Colonel Fernando Payapaya, 51IB commander, said the IEDs were recovered Sunday, January 30, in Talao village, Piagapo, Lanao del Sur.
Payapaya said the IEDs, hammered from 90-recoilless rifle anti-tank ammunition, were recovered based on information given them by a concerned citizen.
He said the IEDs were believed to have been abandoned by the members of the DI-MG for them to minimize their load while withdrawing from the troops.
Government troops are continuously pursuing the DI-MG members following the launch of the focused military operations in the province of Lanao del Sur.
“It is apparent that the enemies are worn and weary. Now is their chance to yield and return to the government. And if they choose otherwise, we have no other option but to fulfill our mission,” Payapaya said.
The recovered IEDs were brought to the headquarters of the 51IB for proper documentation, safekeeping and disposal.
Payapaya noted that the National Academies and the Department of Homeland Security said an IED attack is the use of a “homemade” bomb and/or destructive device to destroy, incapacitate, harass, or distract.
“Only criminals, vandals, terrorists, suicide bombers, and insurgents use this kind of method,” he said. (SunStar Zamboanga)