At least five homemade bombs believed planted by Muslim militants have been found and safely defused by authorities across Mindanao since last month due to intensified patrols and random checks in public areas, the military's Southern Command said.
The Abu Sayyaf, which is on US and European lists of terrorist organizations, has been blamed for a number of other bombings. Philippine security officials say the group also has ties with the Jemaah Islamiyah network, which has cells in several Southeast Asian countries.
US counterterrorism training has been credited with helping the Philippine military oust the Abu Sayyaf from their southern strongholds, including Basilan, and capture or kill key commanders and members.
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