31 Cotabato City blast victims now out of danger — PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Thirty-one of the injured victims of the blast in Cotabato City on Monday have been declared out of danger, a report from the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.

Of those injured, 24 have already been discharged from the hospital, while seven are still being treated. Three victims, meanwhile, are set to undergo surgery, according to police.

The explosion that ripped through several stalls in front of the South Seas mall in Cotabato City, also left two people dead.

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

Investigation showed that the blast happened after an unidentified man dropped a wrapped box in the area.

The Philippine National Police said it is eyeing the possible involvement of local terrorist groups inspired by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, as the way the explosion was conducted is similar to their “signature” tactics.  /muf

READ: ISIS-inspired groups eyed in Cotabato blast — PNP