SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao del Sur — A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) discovered along a national highway in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao del Sur, was successfully rendered safe by a joint police and military team on Friday morning, November 13, following the prompt report of a concerned citizen that triggered an immediate security response.
The suspected explosive device was reported at approximately 6:50 a.m. along the National Highway in Barangay Satan, prompting personnel of the Shariff Aguak Municipal Police Station (MPS), led by Acting Chief of Police PMAJ Joel S. Lebrilla, to immediately proceed to the area.
The response was carried out under the supervision of Maguindanao del Sur Police Provincial Office Director PCOL Michael John C. Mangahis, together with Deputy Provincial Director for Operations PLTCOL Glenmar Avisa.
Police personnel were reinforced by members of the 4th Special Action Battalion of the Philippine National Police Special Action Force (4SAB PNP-SAF), Provincial Mobile Force Company (PMFC), Police Explosive and Canine Unit (PECU) of MDS PPO, and the 302nd Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team (EODT) of the Philippine Army.
Army personnel from Alpha Company of the 90th Infantry (BIGKIS-LAHI) Battalion and Task Group SPMS Box also joined the operation.
Upon reaching the area, responding units immediately established a security perimeter and temporarily restricted the movement of motorists and vehicles along the affected highway to prevent civilians from being exposed to potential danger.
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A joint explosive ordnance disposal team from PECU MDS PPO and the 302nd EODT subsequently conducted a Render Safe Procedure (RSP) to neutralize the suspected explosive device.
At approximately 7:40 a.m., authorities officially declared the area safe after completing the procedure, allowing the immediate threat to public safety to be addressed without any reported casualties in the incident.
The 601st Infantry (Unifier) Brigade, meanwhile, strongly condemned the reported placement of an IED in the municipality, describing such acts as a serious threat to peace, public safety, and the lives of innocent civilians.
Brigade Commander BGEN Gremel B. Brual, PA, stressed that violence and the use of explosives have no place in a peaceful society, particularly when ordinary residents who have nothing to do with armed conflict are placed at risk.
He said the deliberate use of explosive devices and intimidation by armed groups endangers not only individual lives but also the stability and security of entire communities.
Brual also commended the responsible citizen who immediately reported the suspicious object, emphasizing that public vigilance and cooperation remain essential in preventing potential tragedies.
He likewise recognized the personnel of the 90th Infantry Battalion, under the leadership of LTC Loqui O. Marco, INF (GSC), PA, and their police counterparts for their swift response, coordination, and commitment to protecting the public.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the discovery and placement of the suspected IED, including those potentially responsible for the incident.
The incident once again highlights the critical role of community participation in maintaining peace and security, particularly in areas where explosive threats can place civilian lives at risk.
The 601st Infantry Brigade and Shariff Aguak MPS urged residents to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious objects or activities to the nearest police or military authorities.
The public was also reminded never to approach, touch, move, or attempt to inspect suspected explosive devices, as these may detonate and cause serious injuries or fatalities. Such objects should only be handled by trained explosive ordnance disposal personnel.
The successful response demonstrated how timely public reporting, combined with coordinated police and military action, can help prevent potential loss of life and protect communities from further harm.