By Al Jacinto

Manila Times

 Government troops yesterday foiled a bombing attempt by Abu Sayyaf rebels after they recovered a powerful improvised explosive device planted by the bandits in a thickly populated village in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson for the Western Mindanao Command, said army soldiers detonated the bomb after it was discovered in an area frequented by residents and traders in Brgy. Sabong, Lamitan.

Muyuela said the bandits filled a cooking gas cylinder with ammonium nitrate and iron nails and wired the explosives to blasting caps. They identified Erik Ajibon as behind the foiled bomb attack on a thickly populated area of the village.

Muyuela said troops have intensified its operations against the Abu Sayyaf that has been responsible for a spate of killings and kidnappings in Basilan and nearby provinces.

Recently, Special Forces Commander Captain Mark Gamboa was killed in a clash with the
bandits in Lantawan town.

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