two men hurt as they planted IED in Sulu

Miami
October 7, 2008
Story: two men hurt as they planted IED in Sulu

Two men were hurt when they planted an improvised explosive device (IED) in the province of Sulu last October 5.

According to Supt. Danilo Bacas, Spokesperson of Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) the incident rooted from political rivalry between two families in Barangay Proper Sibaud, Pandami (town), Sulu.

“The feud is between the group of Digusman Balla, the former barangay chairman of Barangay Proper Sibaud and Iting Jimlani whose relative is currently the barangay chairman of their barangay,” Bacas said.

The two who planted the IED was identified as Nassal Habibuddin and Jamad Alao. They planted the bomb in front of Zopad buiding in Barangay Proper Sibaud, Pandami at around 11:00 pm of October 5. Before they can finally plant the IED, it exploded prematurely causing for the two to sustained minor bruises.

The two were brought in Sulu Provincial Hospital for medical assistance. No other civilians were hurt in the incident.

Based on initial investigation Habibuddin and Alao belonged to the group of Balla, they will plant IED as a sign of protest to their rival, “If not caught, it will show that their barangay is in danger under the present chairman. Now they are caught it prove that there is a rivalry between them.”

Bacas noted that the planting on IED is the second time at the area. “The first one was September 9, at about 1:00 am, the same place, wounding two individuals,” he said.

He added that the feud between the two started 2007, but was settled after the barangay elections. But now the group of Balla is making noise again. The local government of Pandami has vowed to talk to the group and to settle their differences once again.