The Philippine National Police has heightened its security measures in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, after an improvised explosive device attack that killed one and wounded 11 others last Sunday.

According to PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., police and military security forces have been deployed across the city to find leads and step up pursuit operations against the attack's perpetrators.

"The PNP condemns in the strongest terms the shameful attack on civilians on board a passenger bus in Tacurong City," he added.

Police explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) responders are on-site to conduct a post-blast investigation and ensure no more threat of any secondary explosion. Moreover, first responders focused on immediate evacuation for medical care of the wounded and disposition of the dead.

Meanwhile, Azurin commended the PNP-Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Canine Group along with Search-and-Rescue Police Service Dogs under the stewardship of acting director Col. Albert Magno on their deployment in Maguindanao last Nov. 5.

The 12-member search-and-retrieval teams extend police assistance, especially to the members of the Teduray ethnic community in Maguindanao who have been recently affected by Severe Tropical Storm Paeng.