At least 1 killed, 37 hurt in latest bombing attack in N. Cotabato

MLANG, North Cotabato – A villager was confirmed killed while 37 others were injured when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off just outside the entrance of the town’s pubic market Wednesday afternoon, officials said.

Radio reports, however placed to four the number of fatalities, based on initial feedback from responding government emergency groups.

The victims were on a shopping rush at fruit stands outside the Mlang public market when the blast occurred at 3:45 p.m., according to Barangay Poblacion Chairman Rafael Porras.

Porras said most of the injured were rushed to Mlang Doctor’s Hospital and Mlang District Hospital. Other wounded victims were rushed to Kidapawan City.

Mayor Joselito Pinol condemned the bomb attack.

He also directed local government employees to assist the wounded victims in the hospital.  

Senior Inspector Joan Resurreccion, Mlang police chief, said most of the victims sustained shrapnel injuries in various parts of their bodies.

Army and police bomb experts are still at the blast scene conducting post blast investigation.

No one has claimed responsibility, the second deadly IED attack in this town since November 23.

Three were killed while 20 others were hurt when a bomb exploded at a billiard hall near the town plaza in the earlier attack.

Initial investigation showed the bomb set off Wednesday afternoon was placed few meters from the entrance of the public market where people mill around buying circle-shaped fruits. 

The Wednesday blast happened a day after police from the regional PNP headquarters arrested in M’lang a suspected bomber believed responsible for the previous bombing in the same town.