Basilan security forces neutralize suspected IED before BARMM elections

Security forces in Lamitan City, Basilan, neutralized a suspected improvised explosive device (IED) early Monday morning, just hours before the opening of polling precincts for the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections.

The device was discovered at approximately 1:15 a.m. in Barangay Balobo during an intelligence-driven operation involving the Lamitan City Police Station, the Philippine Army’s 112th Division Reconnaissance Company, and various special action and canine units. Authorities conducted a controlled detonation of the device at approximately 3:30 a.m. No injuries or deaths were reported.

Recovered components included an electronic blasting cap, TNT, a keypad-type mobile phone, a 9-volt battery terminal, concrete nails, a plastic receptacle, and connecting wires. The Lamitan City Police Station is leading the investigation and has submitted the materials for forensic and chemical examination to determine the origin of the device. The discovery occurred during a sensitive election period in a province with over 248,000 registered voters.