At least 34 hurt, 2 dead in Cotabato City mall blast — PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The deadly blast on Monday afternoon in front of South Seas Mall in Cotabato City left two persons dead and at least 34 others injured, the Philippine National Police has reported.

Police earlier reported that the explosion left at least 32 persons hurt.

READ: 2 dead, scores wounded in Cotabato City mall blast

The injured victims include 10 minors, according to a police report.

Meanwhile, the PNP said an improvised explosive device (IED) was behind the blast that ripped through stalls selling firecrackers in front of the mall.

Police also later defused another IED which was found at the malls’ second floor baggage counter.

Authorities have condemned the deadly blast, with Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benjamin Madrigal Jr. saying the military is not discounting the possibility of the involvement of other interest groups in the incident.

Meanwhile, PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde described the explosion as a “cowardly attack” against civilians.  /muf

READ: PNP condemns deadly blast in Cotabato City as ‘cowardly attack’