Blast hits Basilan market; 1 injured

ZAMBOANGA CITY Philippines  – An improvised bomb exploded in a public market in Isabela City, capital town of Basilan, Friday afternoon, leaving one person injured, authorities said.

The explosion occurred in an eatery owned by one Nurudin Lim Bapura, 65, said Lt. Col. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

The blast took place just near with the facility of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology where Jhon Buhari Jamiri, younger brother of Abu Sayyaf leader Nurhasan Jamiri, is detained.

Authorities, however, could not immediately say if the explosion was a terrorist attack.

“It is unlikely to be a terrorist attack, but we have yet to complete the investigation because the blast was not that big and the bomb used could be similar to that used by the blast fishermen,” said Senior Superintendent Alex Linesis, Basilan police director. 

Police were also looking at personal grudge as possible motive behind the blast.

Investigation showed that the improvised explosive was placed in a basket containing bananas.

Authorities said the lone injured was a bystander who was not immediately identified.