Blast hits Basilan port terminal

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An improvised bomb exploded at the terminal of the port of Lamitan in Basilan on Monday night, an official said yesterday.

Chief Inspector Gean Gallardo, Lamitan City police chief, said nobody was reported hurt in the bombing that occurred around 9 p.m.

Gallardo said the explosion damaged a water tank and window glass of the terminal.

He said a man seen aduring the explosion was invited for questioning, but released because there was no sufficient evidence against him.

Investigators are eyeing extortion by Abu Sayyaf bandits as the motive for the attack.

Lamitan Vice Mayor Roderick Furigay condemned the attack and called on the police and military to run after the perpetrators.