At least 7 people injured after explosion in bus at Sultan Kudarat terminal

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GENERAL SANTOS, Philippines – At least seven people, including two elderly people and three children, were injured following an explosion at the bus terminal in Isulan town, Sultan Kudarat, at noon on Monday, April 17.

Sultan Kudarat police assistant director for operations Lieutenant Colonel Lino Capellan said investigators suspected that the explosion was deliberate and that it was caused by an improvised explosive device that was placed in the middle of the lower level of the two-deck bus.

Capellan said the police in Isulan and other areas in Sultan Kudarat were ordered to tighten security measures, especially at police checkpoints.

The military is helping the police in investigating the apparent bomb attack, and in examining the initial pieces of evidence found at the scene of the explosion.

Police said the explosion took place at 12:20 pm at the Isulan Integrated Public Terminal in the village of Kalawag 2 in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

Capellan said the injured passengers included minors from General Santos City and Alabel town in Sarangani province.

Police said the victims were rushed to the Sultan Kudarat Provincial Hospital.

Alex Dollente, manager of the Husky Bus, said the bus, a newly acquired double-decker, came from Cotabato City and was headed to General Santos City.

The bus with plate number NCD 4383 and body number 7388, dropped travelers off at the Isulan terminal and was waiting for more passengers when a loud explosion was heard from inside the bus. It was reportedly driven by David Solitorio. – with reports from Richard Falcatan / Rappler.com