Injured local exec in Sultan Kudarat blast dies

MANILA, Philippines – Another victim of the bombing in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat, died shortly after midnight Tuesday while receiving treatment in a hospital, a police official said later this morning.

Board member Russman Sinsuat was in one of the vehicles in Maguindanao Governor Esmael “Totoy” Mangudadatu’s convoy that was hit by an improvised explosive device Monday afternoon as it passed along the Alunan Highway, said Director Felicisimo Khu of the Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao.

Sinsuat owned the black Fortuner (LGU-933) that was damaged in the 3:20 p.m. blast which came from a white Kia Pride (MDJ-274), said Khu.

Raffy Parenas, a bystander, was the first fatality, said Khu.

Citing initial results of the investigation, Khu said 105-millimeter Howitzer rounds may have been used, judging by the pieces of shrapnel they recovered and the destructive effects of the IED.

Authorities believe that the bomb was meant for Mangudadatu. Danica Hermogenes