2 persons injured as bomb explodes in van in Davao City

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Two persons were injured when an improvised explosive device exploded inside a passenger van here around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, some 50 meters away from SM City Davao on Ecoland in Matina area.

Senior Supt. Vicente Danao Jr., the city police chief, said the bomb exploded while the van was traversing outside the gates of Ecoland 4000 Residences, shortly after it unloaded its passengers.

Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, city police spokesperson, said the Toyota Hi-Ace van, with license plate MVW 553, had come from Pikit, North Cotabato.

Driz initially said among the injured was the van’s driver, whom she did not identify.

Danao said the other casualty was the van’s conductor. Both victims were brought to the Southern Philippines Medical Center, Danao said.

“The van just offloaded passengers from the terminal outside SM when the IED exploded,” he said.

Danao said it was fortunate that the bomb did not explode while it had passengers and that the explosion did not take place in a populated area.

He said at least two cars parked along the road were also damaged.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer saw bomb experts scour the area and search for clues shortly after the incident.

Among the pieces of evidence they were able to find were a shattered casing of what appeared to be a 60-millimeter mortar shell and a damaged cell phone.

Danao said the police were eyeing several angles, including personal grudge and terrorism.

Davao City had been target of terror attacks in the past.

At least three dozen people were killed while several others were injured when bombs exploded at the Sasa wharf here and the Davao Airport in April 2003.

On February 14, 2005, a 12-year-old boy was also killed when an explosion took place at the Davao City Overland Transport Terminal, about 600 meters from the scene of Wednesday’s blast.

In September 2013, five persons were injured when bombs also went off inside the cinemas of SM City Davao and Gaisano Mall.

“We should always be vigilant and report (any suspicious activity) to the police,” Danao said, as he urged residents to always be on alert for possible attacks.  SFM