PNP conducts probe into 3 explosions in Lanao Norte

PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said Wednesday the explosions are under investigation to identify the suspects and security is in place to ensure that the plebiscite runs smoothly and safely. (File Photo: Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a probe into the explosions that rocked three Lanao del Norte towns a day before the second Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebiscite.

PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said Wednesday the explosions are under investigation to identify the suspects and security is in place to ensure that the plebiscite runs smoothly and safely.

“The PNP security operations in Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato are well in place to make the plebiscite today (Wednesday) safe, peaceful and orderly,” Banac said in a message sent to reporters.

“We call on our people to remain vigilant and report to the police any suspicious person or thing they may find,” he added.

At past 4 p.m. Tuesday, an explosion occurred in Barangay Maranding, the business center of Lala town. Another blast occurred in Kauswagan town, minutes after. Lala is 60 km. away from Kauswagan while Sultan Naga Dimaporo is about 20 km. from Lala.

Another explosion occurred at the premises of the MSU Municipal High School in Sultan Naga Dimaporo town in Lanao del Norte at about 10 p.m.

The three towns are not taking part in the plebiscite on the question of inclusion in the Bangsamoro area. Only voters in the towns of Tangkal, Tagoloan, Munai, Pantar, Nunungan, and Baloi will be participating in the plebiscite – along with voters in several North Cotabato areas.

A total of 7,312 security forces from the PNP (5,573) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (1,739) were deployed on the ground for the second BOL plebiscite to be held in the provinces of Lanao del Norte and North Cotabato.

The second BOL plebiscite will be held in Lanao del Norte, except Iligan City; the municipalities of Aleosan, Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Tulunan in North Cotabato and the 28 barangays to be included in the region.

The first plebiscite for the BOL on January 21 was held in Lanao del Sur, Basilan, Sulu, Maguindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Cotabato City and Isabela City.