Google map of Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Suspected Moro rebels harassed a quarantine detachment and a passenger bus that left a militiaman dead and two others hurt on Thursday, authorities here said.
A member of the Civilian Armed Geographical Unit (CAFGU) was killed while another was injured when two suspects lobbed a hand grenade at a coronavirus disease (Covid-19) quarantine checkpoint in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao at 7 p.m., said Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson.
Two men riding tandem on a motorbike were seen speeding past the detachment when the back-rider tossed a hand grenade toward a police-Army quarantine checkpoint in Barangay Mother Labu-Labu, killing CAFGU member Aladin Alon.
Another CAFGU member, Joey Moambing, was slightly injured in the attack.
Atilano said the incident was the second attack on law enforcers manning Covid-19 quarantine outposts in Maguindanao.
“We condemn this attack against our front-liners,” Atilano said in an interview Friday. “We will work for the attainment of justice to our slain comrades.”
On May 19, Pfc. Jerome Tahad of the 33rd Infantry Battalion was also killed at a quarantine checkpoint attack in Barangay Zapakan, Rajah Buayan, Maguindanao.
Meanwhile, also on Thursday, an explosion hit a passenger bus plying the General Santos City – Cotabato City route while passing through Datu Unsay, Maguindanao.
A report said one of the passengers, Sgt. Jester Cagatan, was injured in his arm and leg when a rifle grenade hit the bus around 3 p.m. while it was traversing the highway in Barangay Iginagampong.
The bus driver, whose identity was withheld by police, told investigators that he heard an explosion while traversing the road but decided to proceed up to the next town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan to report to the police station.
Military officials blamed the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for the series of attacks believed to be in retaliation to the series of offensives by government forces recently that left at least six bandits killed in the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Mamasapano and Rajah Buayan in Maguindanao. (PNA)
