Another blast hits Midsayap; 3rd bomb attack this month

NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - Another bomb explosion struck the town of Midsayap on Sunday night, the third incident in the municipality since early August.

Superintendent Reynante delos Santos, chief of the Midsayap municipal police, said no one was reported killed or injured in the bombing, but the incident triggered panic among villagers in Barangay Nes.

Delos Santos said two unidentified men disguised as customers planted the bomb near a store owned by a certain Gerry Fontanilla.

The store owner told reporters that the explosion took place after two suspicious-looking men bought candies and cigarettes from his store and left hurriedly on a motorcycle.

The explosion ripped through the store and damaged its walls and ceiling. It also left a crater on the spot where the bomb was planted.

The attack was the third in Midsayap this month.

Suspected extortionists bombed last August 7 a branch of the money remittance outfit MLhuillier at the town proper of Midsayap followed by another bomb explosion in Barangay Baliki.