10 hurt in Sultan Kudarat grenade attack

SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines – Ten persons, including three schoolchildren, were wounded when a grenade exploded in Isulan town in this province on Satuday.

It was the fifth bombing recorded in Central Mindanao within two weeks.

A radio station in Cotabato City, the Notre Dame Broadcasting Corp, reported that the explosion wounded 15 persons, citing data gathered from local authorities.

Only 10 have been identified as of yesterday. They were Abix Sandigan, 33; Almashir Ibrahim, 22; Sahid Salendab, 27; Marissa Villanueva, 30; Anne Janet Latip, 21; Lily Beth Ferolino, 45; Linda Baltazar, 49; Regina dela Rosa, 14; Darius dela Rosa, 6, and Jasper Lindah, 11.

Provincial police director Senior Superintendent Danny Reyes said investigators were still trying to establish the identities of the bombers and determine the motive for the attack.

The victims were standing near a gasoline station in Barangay Kenram when someone hurled a grenade toward the establishment.

The victims were rushed to different hospitals for treatment of shrapnel wounds.

Col. Mel Feliciano, chief of the Army’s 601st Brigade, said intelligence officers were helping the police investigate the incident.

The Isulan grenade attack was preceded by four similar incidents, including three in Kabacan, North Cotabato, and another in Cotabato City, which left eight wounded.