The Philippine military found components for making improvised explosives while following criminals who may have been pro-ISIS terrorists on a motorcycle in the province of Mindanao in Lanao del Norte.
The 4th Mechanized Infantry Battalion intercepted a tandem flight at Pugaan village, Iligan City, while conducting security operations along the Taguluan-Iligan City MSR.
One of the gang members threw his backpack into the air as the others continued to flee.
Army personnel inspecting the backpack found two cylindrical parts totally covered in electrical tape, connected to cables, and a wet cell battery. All of these objects are believed to be components of an antipersonnel mine.
Lanao del Norte is a refuge for criminals, including communist terrorists and the Maute group, which is affiliated with ISIS, even though the Civil Relations Service has not disclosed which terrorist organisation the suspects may be connected to.
In May 2017, the Maute gang and the Abu Sayyaf organisation surrounded Lanao del Sur, the provincial capital, in an endeavour to make Marawi the capital of the so-called East Asia Province.
Five months later, government forces were able to retake the city after severe fighting claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals, mostly militants.
The Philippine army captures a criminal with bombs.
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