IED explodes on Maguindanao highway

NORTH COTABATO – An improvised explosive went off prematurely on Tuesday morning on a highway frequently used by security forces in the restive southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, police said.

Police said no one was hurt or injured in the explosion believed carried out by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters allied with the Islamic State.

The blast sent security forces tightening its gripped on the Muslim province where BIFF and the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front and other smaller armed groups are actively operating.

There have been at least three dozen roadside bombings targeting military vehicles in the province since January. (Rhoderick Beñez)

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