March 4, 2012: The recent upsurge of bomb blasts in at least two places in Mindanao had elicited strong reaction from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) not because it is currently talking peace with the Philippine government but the acts are grossly violating the very principle of Islam that life is inviolable and sacred.

Sheik Muhammad Muntassir, head of the Da’wah Committee of the MILF, told Luwaran that the explosions that rocked Cotabato City and the municipality of Pigkawayan in North Cotabato were the handiwork of criminal mind that has no place in civilized society.

As a result, three civilians were injured in the two separate blasts last March 3.

An improvised bomb exploded outside the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at around 6 a.m. and was followed by another blast from inside the sprawling compound.

The wounded civilian, Ibrahim Ismael, 18, was rushed to a hospital.

Earlier on March 1 three people were also wounded in a bomb explosion outside the regional office of the Government Service Insurance System along Gutierrez Street, just several blocks away from the ARMM compound.

In North Cotabato, Dave Potenciano and Jimboy Barte, employees of the China International Water and Electric Corporation, tasked to repair a national road were wounded in a bomb attack in Pigcawayan town.

Eyewitnesses said two motorcycle-riding men were seen before an improvised explosive device exploded on a construction’s heavy equipment in the village of Balogo.

Both Barte and Potensiano sustained shrapnel wounds.

In January, an improvised bomb assembled from an 81mm mortar, exploded in downtown Cotabato, wounding two civilians.

The blast was reportedly the handiwork of shadowy groups called Bangsamoro Independence Movement and Bangsamoro Youth Movement.