8 hurt in N. Cotabato town fiesta blast

BANISILAN, North Cotabato – Eight persons were injured after a grenade exploded during the culmination program of this town’s 36th foundation anniversary at the plaza on Wednesday evening.

Most of the victims were followers and relatives of Sanny Khadil, chairperson of Barangay Tinimbacan, according town police chief Sr. Insp. Wilson Mangcay.

Mangcay said Khadil had been locked in a long standing “rido” (family feud) with another Moro family, leading police to believe it was linked to the dispute. Khadil was unharmed, police said.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, speaking for North Cotabato police, identified the injured as Pinggawi Khadil, son of the village chief; Jeffrey Salunayan; Joel Amas; Samrud Mamukaw; Datu Ali Mamukaw; Siraduna Pananggulong; Pedro Labosares; and Esmael Cañedo.

The victims were inside a makeshift booth of Barangay Tinimbacan at the town plaza when an unidentified man tossed a fragmentation grenade inside it.

The police said they were still trying to determine the identity of the culprit.                        /kga