2 dead in Kidapawan blast

MANILA, Philippines — Two people died from an explosion in Kidapawan City early Friday morning, police said.

The fatalities were identified as Manampan Demalin, the suspected bomber, and one Kalim Indigay, said Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr., Philippine National Police spokesman.

Demalin, who was found with an improvised explosive device (IED) inside a backpack, was killed instantly while Indigay survived shortly and was brought to the Cotabato Provincial Hospital where he died while undergoing treatment, Cruz said.

Before his death, Indigay managed to tell authorities that he served as a guide to Demalin who came from Sitio (sub-village) Pagagaw in Patadon village to Kidapawan City.  Indigay also admitted to authorities that he was a member of the local Moro National Liberation Front under Commander Usman Kautin of Misuari Faction.

Meanwhile, North Cotabato Police Director Senior Superintendent Cornelio Salinas said the men were trying to plant the IED in front of the National Irrigation Administration near the Provincial Capitol in Barangay Amas when it exploded.

He said it was fortunate that the IED went off long before office hours.

“If the explosion took place during busy hours, there might have been many casualties,” Salinas said, noting that the area is a drop-off and pick-up point for public utility vehicles.

Salinas said based on a statement that Indigay gave before he died, the IED was intended for the NIA office.

“Somebody instructed them to plant the bomb in front of NIA office. However it exploded prematurely,” he said.

Salinas said Indigay also provided the authorities with the identity of the mastermind, but the police were withholding it.

The NIA office is adjacent to the Commission on Audit office where an IED fashioned from a 60-millimeter shell exploded in July.

The North Cotabato Police Provincial Office is now investigating whether the two incidents were related, Salinas said.With Edwin Fernandez, Inquirer Mindanao