Twin blasts rock Basilan

MANILA, Philippines—Two simultaneous explosions in separate areas rocked Basilan province Thursday evening, but no one was injured, police said Friday.

Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, Basilan provincial police director, said the first suspected improvised explosive device went off along Barangay (village) Maganda, Aguinaldo Street in Lamitan City, Basilan—in front of the house of city Vice Mayor Arleigh Eisma.

Radio reports said the explosion damaged the vehicle of Eisma which was parked near the blast site.

The second explosion, on the other hand, occurred in front of a chapel in Barangay (village) Colonia.

Dapilloza said both explosions were recorded around 9 p.m., adding that they happened while there wasn’t electricity in the area.

While authorities have yet to determine the motive behind the attack, Dapilloza said the attack may be “politically motivated” considering that one of the explosions transpired in front of the house of a politician, or it could also be a “diversionary tactic” amid ongoing police and military operations in the area.

“Sinamantala nitong mga suspects iyong kadiliman sa lugar dahil nga walang koryente,” he said, adding that the suspects may be a riding-in-tandem.

Police were investigating the case.