BASILAN - An abandoned luggage suspected to be an improvised explosive device was found on the streets in Lamitan, Basilan past 7 p.m. on Sunday.

Police were deployed to the scene to check the abandoned luggage for explosives. No bomb was found.

Senior Inspector Gean Gallardo, chief of police of Lamitan, said he received information that explosives were planted near the police station.

However, these turned out negative as well.

Gallardo believes that the threats came from the Abu Sayyaf Group, which has been extorting money from local officials in Lamitan.

Lamitan police arrested suspected bomb makers Asis Pingli, Joel Balagtas, and Joan Enso last week.

The three suspects were allegedly responsible for a series of explosions in Lamitan, which were masterminded by Mussanna Jamiri, a sub-leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Pingli denied the accusations. He said he is a public utility vehicle driver and is not part of a terrorist group.

Lamitan police remain on full alert amid the bomb threats.