3 explosions hit Mindanao
Cotabato City, Philippines — All key-entry points have been sealed by the Philippine Army’s crime Task Force Tugis after three separate bombings hit the city and a commercial district in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao during the weekend.
There were no reports of injuries after the explosions, but the blasts caused panic among the residents. Investigators said extortionists could be the ones responsible for the chaos.
The explosives used were improvised explosive devices and the first one exploded last saturday night near the terminal of the Weena Bus Co. along Magallanes Street in Cotabato City.
Around 3:30 a.m. yesterday, another explosion happened at the house of Hilario Hernando Henorio in Barangay Bulalo, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.
PNP spokesman Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said further investigation revealed that the IED used at the Sultan Kudarat blast was similar to the bomb that exploded in front of the Weena Bus Terminal in Cotabato City. The Army’s Task Force Tugis and government troops are now guarding Cotabato City’s main entry and exit points. Army operatives have also been deployed to patrol Cotabato City’s 37 barangays. Police and military units have been placed on full alert.
