6th ID disposes seized improvised bombs

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The Army's 6th Infantry Division Bomb Disposal Unit Thursday detonated hundreds of improvised explosive devices (IEDs) recovered, confiscated and seized in various military operations in its area of jurisdiction. The IEDs were properly disposed, Capt. Joann Petinglay, 6th ID spokesperson told reporters. Disposal was still on going as of 3:30 p.m. It started at past 9 a.m.Petinglay said the IEDs mostly fashioned from hand grenades, rifle grenades, rocket propelled grenades, 60 mm and 81 mm mortars and other improvised bombs were placed in a concrete covered pavement to ensure it will not harm humans, animals or damage structures.The disposal area is within the 80 hectare military installation in Barangay Semba, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao.The series of blasts were three to five kilometers away.The 6th Infantry Kampilan Division, with three Army brigades, two Special Forces Battalion and 1st Marine Brigade under its jurisdiction operationally and administratively, covers the provinces of Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat and North Cotabato.Petinglay said most of the IEDs were found in Maguindanao where a month-long police law enforcement campaign was launched against outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).She added the IEDs were recovered during Army operations, bomb disposal campaign, collected in previous area of engagement between the Army, police and the BIFF.Many were seized during military operations that led to the capture of ranking BIFF officials, Petinglay said. (PNA)FFC/NYP/EOF