1 killed, 16 wounded in bomb explosion in North Cotabato

DAVAO CITY, Philippines–A person was killed while at least 16 others were wounded after a bomb exploded near a school in Kabacan, North Cotabato, on Sunday evening.

Authorities said the explosion occurred at an overpass at the front of Kabacan Pilot Elementary School at around 6:50 p.m.

Two more improvised explosive devices (IEDs) were discovered near the blast site and detonated. One of them was discovered around 7:55 p.m. It was placed in a thermos a few meters away from the blast site and detonated by responding security forces.

At 8:15 p.m., government forces discovered and successfully defused another suspected IED near the area.

The victims were immediately taken to the hospital, and one of them, identified as Monique Mantawil, died while being treated.

Police identified the other victims as Giezel Mae Butil, Samra Sembaga, Hartzel Bragat, Tonton Kusain, Flo Rohana, Girlie Royless, Rowena Nufies, Albert Palakpak, Ritchie Baguio, Queen Mary Alimuhanid, Muhamed Masukat, Ibrahim Bantulan, Arvie Estrella and Mervin Lagat.

The identities of two other victims were still being verified by authorities.

Policemen and soldiers were deployed to secure the blast site and an investigation was trying to identify the perpetrators and determine the motive behind the incident.–Karlos Manlupig, Inquirer Mindanao