MAGUINDANAO, Philippines—The Philippine National Police is on high alert status to look out for possible retaliatory attacks after two explosions occurred in the province of Maguindanao, various sources reported.

Chief Senior Superintendent Jaime Pido called for heightened security measures to prevent the recurrence of these unfortunate incidents by keeping checkpoint posts and securing civilians in the area.

On November 26, two separate explosions in the province resulted to nine casualties- one dead and eight injured. The lone fatality was identified as Kagui Haron who sustained serious shrapnel wounds. Haron, along with the other injured individuals, are members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) including its deputies such as Vice-Chairman for Political Affairs Dr. Muhammad Ali Tambako and Vice-Chairman for Military Affairs Commander Kagi Karialan. BIFM was once affiliated with Moro Islamic Liberation Front until 2010 when the groups parted ways over political differences.

Reports revealed that the first improvised explosive device (IED) exploded past 8:00 a.m. as Commander Karialan and his troop were traversing the borders of Barangays Lower Salbu and Upper Salbu in the town of Datu Saudi Ampatuan, hurting the commander and three of his companions.

Another IED went off a kilometer away from the previous blast site after 20 minutes, injuring the group of BIFM led by Dr. Tambako who suffered minor injuries along with three other members. Haron, who was with the group, was declared dead after being exposed to the impact of the IED blast.

While BIFM Spokesperson Abu Misry Mama asserted that they are blaming neither the military nor the MILF, initial police investigation has been inclined toward ‘rido’ or local feud among rebel groups.