Bomb scare hits Basilan anew

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Tension gripped residents of Isabela City, capital of Basilan, after another “false bomb” was recovered in the plaza Saturday night, police said.

Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation Western Mindanao, said a teenager spotted a blinking light amid a pile of rocks near the Rizal statue at Plaza Rizal, a few meters away from the provincial capitol and the cathedral at around 8 p.m. Saturday.

The teenager promptly alerted police and military personnel deployed in the vicinity.

Khu said the object turned out to be a flashlight with battery.

Khu said another bomb scare hit Isabela City last April 20 when a real improvised bomb and another “false bomb” were discovered.

He said the Abu Sayyaf could be planting fake bombs as a diversionary tactic.

He said the Joint Provincial Peace and Security Coordinating Council is closely monitoring the situation and taking pro-active measures to thwart any bombings.