4 killed, 8 hurt in North Cotabato grenade attack

MANILA, Philippines—Four persons were killed while eight others were injured after two unidentified men on board a motorbike hurled a grenade at a house in Midsayap, North Cotabato late Wednesday, the military said Thursday.

The two men were wearing helmet when they threw the bomb at the residence of a certain Dina Madrigal around 7:30 p.m., said Colonel Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command.

Galon identified the casualties as Hilario Villaflor, 60, who died on the spot, while Isidro Gisalan Awa, 42; John Lloyd Anza, 8; and Eric John Quirol were declared dead on arrival at the hospital.

Injured in the explosion were Rhoda Mae Sela, 19; Isidro Awa, 14; Fransbeth Ansa, 8; Dina Madrigal, 57; Sofia Anza, 5; and Hydee Paraqueles, Galon said. Two more unidentified victims were taken to the Cotabato Regional Hospital, he added.

Authorities recovered a safety lever and pin from a hand grenade in the crime scene, the military spokesman said.

Authorities have yet to determine the motive for the attack, Galon said.