ZAMBOANGA CITY — The military in Central Mindanao have strongly condemned the cowardly act of a terrorist group that exploded an improvise explosive device inside a provincial bus in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat province which killed a passenger and injured 11 others including two soldiers.

Joint Task Force Central commander Maj. Gen. Roy Galido said that the military "condemns this act to the highest degree."

"This is a cowardly act of the terrorist group and peace spoilers that put the lives of innocent civilians in danger and doing so is a violation of both human rights and international humanitarian law," Galido said.

He disclosed that soldiers manning checkpoints in different strategic areas in Cotabato province and in Sultan Kudarat province were placed on high alert on Sunday.

"We are presently working with the PNP investigators to neutralize these terrorists," Galido said. "We will exert efforts so that we can identify who are the culprits of this incident and pursue proper actions according to law."

Galido revealed that they already have a lead on the possible perpetrators and will continue the investigation to accurately identify and pursue the attackers.

Meantime, Philippine National Police chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Monday also condemned the IED attack.

"The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the shameful attack on civilians on board a passenger bus in Tacurong City this morning that killed one person and wounded 11 others in what can only be described as handiwork of criminal minds," said Azurin.