2 killed in North Cotabato blast

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — Two suspected couriers of a homemade bomb were killed last night when the explosive device they were transporting exploded prematurely in Pikit town.

Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, public affairs chief of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the two men were riding a motorcycle and carrying a box that exploded along Quezon Street in Pikit’s poblacion.

“By all indications, the two men were to bring the improvised explosive device somewhere,” said Petinglay.

Pikit is the gateway to the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta, a known haven of extortion gang members identified with the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Petinglay said Army intelligence operatives are now assisting the local police to identify the two men and their background. – With Jaime Laude