3 kids die, 2 hurt in Basilan blast
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Three children were killed in an explosion in Al-Barka town in Basilan on Sunday.
Niyadz Pising, 2, and Ombek Akbar, 5, died at the scene. Almiya Mojol, 16, died while being treated at the Zamboanga City Medical Center. Pahmiya Pising, 5, and Suraima Akbar, 25, were wounded.
Lt. Col. Franco Raphael Alano, acting spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said the explosion was caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) believed planted by Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The victims were playing outside their house in Barangay Danapah when the bomb exploded.
However, Al-Barka Mayor Darus Lajid said shrapnel recovered at the scene were similar to the ammunition for a 40mm grenade launcher.
Lajid said the children might have picked up the unexploded ammunition.
The Joint Task Force Basilan is conducting an investigation.
Westmincom chief Maj. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. said it is likely that Abu Sayyaf bandits were behind the attack, citing a similar incident. On Dec. 2, two children died when they accidentally triggered an IED planted along a trail frequented by villagers.
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