3 wounded in Masbate bomb blast

MANILA, Philippines — Three people, including a barangay captain, were wounded when an improvised bomb planted by the roadside in Uson, Masbate exploded on Monday.

Democrito Rivera, 62, chairman of Barangay Bonifacio; Romneck Lumabab, 32, and Alex Balayan, 39, were on a motorcycle when the explosion occurred at around 1:30 p.m.

Five men reportedly opened fire on the victims following the explosion.

The gunmen escaped as state security forces and first aid responders arrived and brought the victims to a hospital for treatment.

Police units from other areas in Masbate put up security checkpoints following the incident.

Rivera’s companions are said to be rebel returnees.