Philippines: Army, NPA clash in Apayao; guns, explosive seized

Several high-powered firearms and an explosive were recovered when elements of the Philippine Army (PA) figured in two separate armed encounters with suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Flora, Apayao over the weekend, the military bared Monday, March 15. Read More …

Philippines: Women linked to Abu Sayyaf suicide bombings arrested in Sulu

At least nine women, including the three daughters of the acting Abu Sayyaf Group leader, have been arrested in a series of raids, the Philippines military said on Tuesday, as the government steps up efforts to go after armed fighters Read More …

Philippines: 4 hurt in IED blast in Sorsogon

Three civilians and a police officer were wounded when two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) exploded on the national highway in Pilar town in Sorsogon province on Monday, Feb. 22. Major Maria Luisa Calubaquib, Bicol police spokesperson, said Corporal Jeffry Enconge Read More …

Philippines: Army troops foil bombing attempt in Maguindanao

Military personnel defused on Thursday morning an improvised explosive device (IED) found in Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao. “Around 10:00 a.m. yesterday, a concerned citizen informed the troops of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Battalion that a suspected IED was emplaced Read More …

Philippines: IED blast heightens tension in Ecija town with 2 mayoral seat claimants

An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded at the back of the public market here late on Tuesday (Feb. 9), police said. This was the second IED explosion in the town amid an ongoing mayoral row. Maj. Baltazar Corpuz, town police Read More …

Philippines: Extortion group behind Tulunan bombing – SITG

The police’s Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) Sibsib has identified the Al Khobar extortion group as responsible for the Jan. 27 bombing incident here that killed one and injured three others. Major Jun Napat, Tulunan police chief, said the group Read More …

Philippines: 1 dead, 2 hurt in IED blast in Cotabato

One person was killed and two others were hurt when an improvised explosive device went off at a waiting shed in Tulunan town, Cotabato province at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 27. Major Jun Napat, Tulunan town police, said the Read More …

Philippines: IED explosion kills motorcycle driver in Maguindanao

A passing motorcycle driver was killed while his backrider was rushed to a nearby hospital after a powerful explosion hit them while traversing the national road going to downtown South Upi, Maguindanao 5:45 a.m. Tuesday. Around 10:30 a.m., another improvised Read More …

Philippines: Army shows 80 guns, bombs yielded by ex-Reds in NoCot

As the Communist Party of the Philippines celebrated its 52nd founding anniversary on Saturday, the military in North Cotabato presented to the public assorted firearms surrendered by former rebels. Colonel Potenciano Camba, commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade, presented the 80 Read More …

Philippines: US military donation of explosive ordnance and demolition equipment to boost AFP anti-terror capabilities

The United States’ latest military equipment donation to the Philippines would help strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)’s anti-terrorism capabilities. “The CSAFP (Chief-of-Staff AFP) Gen. Gilbert Gapay, expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the US For the donation Read More …

Philippines: 2 Saudi nationals with alleged links to ISIS nabbed in Cotabato City

Two Saudi nationals with suspected links to international terrorist group ISIS were arrested in Cotabato City on Wednesday, according to the police. An improvised explosive device was seized from the suspects, along with several components used in making IEDs. A Read More …

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller participated in a capabilities display of recently-delivered U.S. sniper and counter-improvised explosive device (IED) equipment

Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher C. Miller met with Philippines Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodore Locsin in Manila today.  Secretary Miller underscored the importance of the alliance and the value the U.S.-Philippines Visiting Read More …

Philippines: Troops recover guns, IED components in hunt for 2 bomb-makers

The military seized more than a dozen firearms and components for home-made bombs from two elusive bombers. Edsrafil Manalasal Guiwan and Lakim Esmael, both of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, are tagged in recent deadly bombings in central Mindanao. They Read More …

Philippines: 3 Abu Sayyaf bombers killed in Zambo offshore encounter

Police intercepted a pumpboat speeding towards Zamboanga City at daybreak this morning with an Abu Sayyaf team on board believed to be on a bombing mission, resulting in the death of three extremist militants. PNP Chief, Police General Debold M Read More …

Philippines raises concern over terrorists’ use of landmines

The Philippines called for the strengthening of a normative framework under the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (APMBC) to address the continued use of mines by armed non-state actors. Signed in 1997, the APMBC, otherwise known as the Mine Ban Treaty, Read More …

Philippines: Bomb components discovered anew in Northern Samar

Police recovered on Friday, November 20, another raw materials used in the manufacturing of improvised explosive device (IED) in San Antonio, Northern Samar. Colonel Arnel Apud, director of Northern Samar Police Provincial Office (NSPPO), said they are doing “incessant intelligence Read More …

Philippines: Bombing plot foiled in Sulu

A bombing attempt in Jolo, Sulu was prevented after a concerned netizen reported an improvised explosive device (IED) made allegedly by a local terrorist, the military said Friday. The IED, which was sealed with coconut leaves, is believed to be Read More …

Philippines arrests woman suspected of planning suicide attack

An Indonesian woman suspected of planning a suicide bomb attack in the southern Philippines was arrested on Saturday in a pre-dawn raid, the military said. The arrest comes less than two months after 15 people were killed and 74 others Read More …