The IED was dismantled and defused by a bomb squad member. (PNA) Two suspected bomb couriers were killed in a shootout with police and troops in the town of M’lang, North Cotabato before dawn Wednesday.

The slain suspects were among three people riding a motorcycle that sped past a checkpoint in Barangay Sangat around 3 a.m., said Supt. Bernard Tayong, North Cotabato police spokesperson.

Police and troops pursued the three that ended in a shootout. The third suspect escaped using the motorcycle, according to Tayong.

Found on the suspects were a black sling bag that contained an improvised bomb.

The bomb, which lacks a triggering mechanism, was believed to be used for terrorism.

Identification papers were also found in the bag indicating the slain suspects as Patrick Ali Saligan, 30, of Buluan, Maguindanao, and Nholds Saibo Ali, 29, of Datu Paglas, Maguindanao.

The vigilance of the police and soldiers prevented a possible bombing in the province, said M’lang Vice Mayor Lito Piñol in a radio interview.

There were three previous bombing attempts in North Cotabato using improvised explosive devices (IED).

An IED found at 1 p.m. at the roadside in Barangay Poblacion, M’lang Sunday was defused by a bomb squad. Another IED left by a riding-in-tandem in front of a variety store in Barangay Bagontapay Monday morning was also defused.

Both IED are linked to the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Two grenades left at the main entrance-exit door of the Gaisano Grand Mall in Kidapawan City about 7 p.m. Monday were defused, but investigators linked the bombing attempt to feuding security guard service providers.

TAGS bomb couriers bombing attempt in North Cotabato

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