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.