SULTAN SA BARONGIS, Maguindanao del Sur — Two hand grenades were thrown by unidentified individuals onto the roof of a residence belonging to Datu Pike Sali in Barangay Barurao, Sultan sa Barongis, Maguindanao del Sur, on Friday morning, November 6, but fortunately failed to explode, preventing what could have been a deadly incident.
According to reports from the Sultan sa Barongis Municipal Police Station (SSB MPS), Sali personally spotted the explosive devices near their residence after they landed and became caught among branches of a fallen tree on the roof. The grenades reportedly did not detonate upon impact, allowing the occupants of the house to quickly evacuate after discovering the unexploded explosives.
The incident occurred before the scheduled Friday congregational prayer, raising concerns over the safety of residents in the surrounding community. No injuries or casualties were reported in connection with the incident.
Police personnel immediately responded to the scene, together with troops from the 34th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army. Authorities cordoned off the immediate area to prevent residents and other civilians from approaching the potentially dangerous explosives.
In coordination with the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team of the Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office, authorities carried out an emergency render-safe procedure. The two grenades were carefully recovered and transported to a designated safe location, where EOD personnel conducted a controlled detonation to permanently eliminate the threat.
Authorities confirmed that the disposal operation was successfully completed without reported harm to civilians or responding personnel.
Information from the initial report identified Sali as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Brigade of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), the armed wing of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Police investigators are continuing their investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the attack, identify those responsible, and determine the possible motive. Authorities have yet to publicly identify any suspects or establish whether the incident was connected to any personal, political, or other dispute.
The incident underscores the continuing security concerns in parts of Maguindanao del Sur, particularly when explosive devices are used or abandoned near residential communities, where civilians face the greatest risk.