Misamis Occidental governor survives IED attack

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Misamis Occidental Gov. Henry Oaminal and two of his security escorts were unhurt when an improvised explosive device went off in Barangay Lapasan in Clarin town before midnight on Sunday.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief Maj. Gen. Steve Crespillo said Oaminal had just come from a meeting at a hotel and was on his way home to Ozamiz City when the bomb exploded.

Oaminal was in a sport utility vehicle behind a police pickup in a convoy of four vehicles.

Crespillo said Oaminal and his two police escorts were unharmed, but the window on the driver’s side of their vehicle was shattered. The door bore bullet holes.

“We strongly condemn this barbarous attack of cowards who executed unprovoked aggression targeting the good governor of Misamis Occidental,” Crespillo said.

The military said ground forces were assessing the incident and coordinating with the police to determine the circumstances and identify the perpetrators.

Crespillo appealed to the public to remain calm.

He gave assurance that the military would conduct combat and non-combat operations to ensure the security of residents.

The Northern Mindanao police mobilized all its units in Misamis Occidental following the bomb attack.