Rebels bomb bridge in Maguindanao

MAGUINDANAO, Philippines – Suspected members of a breakaway rebel group bombed Wednesday afternoon, August 7, a bridge in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, just hours after they detonated a roadside improvised explosive device that wounded at least 7 soldiers, police said.

Senior Supt Rogelio Jocson, provincial police chief, said suspected followers of Ameril Umra Kato of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) detonated a homemade bomb at the bridge in the village of Lintukan in the town of Datu Piang around 5:00 pm.

He said no one was hurt in the incident but the bridge is partially damaged.

“I cannot say right now if the bridge is passable for large types of vehicles. Soldiers are now in the [area],” he said.

Earlier Wednesday, armed men detonated a homemade bomb along the highway in Shrariff Saydona, wounding at least 7 soldiers. The BIFF claimed responsibility for the attack.

An improvised bomb also exploded in front of a radio station in Midsayap, North Cotabato early Wednesday morning. There were no casualties.

On August 5, at least 8 people, including a 9-year-old boy, were killed while dozens were wounded in a car bomb explosion along the busy street of Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City. – Rappler.com