At least 2 killed, 25 hurt in North Cotabato explosion

COTABATO CITY, Philippines (3rd UPDATE) – A powerful bomb blast in M’lang town, North Cotabato on Sunday evening, November 23, killed at least 2 individuals on the spot and injured 25 others, authorities said.

Major Jo-Ann Petinglay, information chief of the 6^th Division, said those wounded were rushed to various hospitals in North Cotabato.

The improvised explosive device (IED) went off in front of a restaurant in the town plaza past 7:30 pm Sunday.

Initial reports from military said 3 people were killed on the spot but the tally of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council of North Cotabato stated only two fatalities. They are John Camiring and Jade Villarin.

Those wounded were identified as: 

1. John Ramirez 
2. Lorelyn Catinoy
3. Apolinario Igot
4. Nelson Baliguat
5. Francis Rio
6. Ian Cris Quintinita
7. Marjon Billones
8. Kenneth Garcia
9. Joemar Bases 
10. Ruth Billones
11. Amar Patad
12. Beverly Brazilinio
13. Mike Laba 
14. Solimar Baligasa
15. Rex Javier 
16. Ruel Sales
17. Ali Aguirre
18. Aldrin Natal
19. Erickson Brazilinio
20. Ericka Brazilinio
21. Aldrin Cadungon
22. Erica Mae Jacilenyo
23. Thelma Ceballos
24. Ryan Ignacio
25. Still unknown

The explosion occurred in a crowded area as the town is celebrating the 6th Kawayan festival, which will end on December 5.

The incident comes a week after a bomb explosion in nearby Kabacan town killed a young student and injured 16 others.

Authorities blamed the radical Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for the earlier Kabacan attack but the group denied any involvement in the incident. The BIFF has reportedly pledged allegiance to the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

A recently-released global terrorism index placed the Philippines on the 9th spot among countries with the highest level of terrorist activity.

North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza on Sunday condemned the attack and gave assurances that the provincial government is prioritizing providing assistance to all victims.

All government hospitals and rescue teams around the province have been placed on red alert, she said. – with reports from Ferdinand Cabrera, Karlos Manlupig and Richard Falcatan/Rappler.com