Philippines: IED detonation wounds seven in Isulan (Sultan Kudarat province) September 7

Event

An improvised explosive device (IED) detonation wounded seven people in Isulan (Sultan Kudarat province) on Saturday morning (local time), September 7. Military forces cordoned off the area following the attack; the IED was reportedly placed beside a parked motorcycle near a public market. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast, although the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) group is under scrutiny in an associated investigation for possibly carrying out the attack.

Similar attacks are possible on Mindanao over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Sultan Kudarat province are advised to avoid the affected area, monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.

As a reminder, some Western governments advise against all travel to western and central Mindanao and the Sulu archipelago due to the risk of terrorist activity and clashes between the military and insurgent groups.